Controlling Effects of Nanocomposite Sterilant ND-1 on the Growth of Wild Populations of Midday Gerbil (Meriones meridianus)
Author:
Bu Fan123, Li Xin123, Bai Junyuan4, Sun Shanshan123, Yan Haiwen123, Zhang Haoting123, Jin Yongling123, Li Linlin123, Zhang Rong123, Shang Zhenghaoni123, Yuan Shuai123, Wu Xiaodong123, Fu Heping123
Affiliation:
1. College of Grassland Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010011, China 2. Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Pest Controlled, Hohhot 010011, China 3. Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, Hohhot 010011, China 4. Horqin Right Front Banner Science and Technology Development Center, Xing’an League, Ulanhot 137400, China
Abstract
Grassland is not only an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem with multiple ecological functions, but also an important base for Chinese herdsmen to produce and live. However, the occurrence and spread of rodent infestation reduces the biodiversity and productivity of grassland ecosystems. It also severely threatens human life, health, and biosecurity through disease transmission. In this study, we explored the ability of the nanocomposite sterilant ND-1 to control grassland rodent populations. Semi-closed experimental and control plots were established in the desert area of Alashan, Inner Mongolia, China. In spring 2018, the nanocomposite sterile ND-1 (Nongda-1) was introduced once, and the control effect of ND-1 on the growth of the wild population of midday gerbils was measured for two years. We show that ND-1 significantly reduced the population of midday gerbils in the experimental area, with a negative population growth rate. In addition, in the second year, the ratio of female midday gerbils to sub-adults in the experimental area was significantly lower than that in the control area, which resulted in a significant difference in the sex ratio of midday gerbils. There were significantly fewer females than males, and the population growth of midday gerbils in the experimental area was significantly inhibited. ND-1 had no significant effect on the home range of midday gerbils, and sterile individuals continued to occupy the home range and consume resources. Therefore, ND-1 reduced the number of female midday gerbils during the breeding period and the sex ratio and population density and altered the age structure of the wild population. Additionally, competition between sterile and normal individuals had a significant control effect on the growth of wild populations. Our studies demonstrate the significance of ND-1 in the sustainable control of grassland rodent pests, with the potential for limiting grassland rodent damage in the future.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China Major Science and Technology Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Pest Diversity Survey in the Western section of Agro-Pastoral Ecotone in North China Science and Technology Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Program for Young Talents of Science and Technology in Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Grassland Ecological Protection and Restoration Treatment Subsidy
Subject
Paleontology,Space and Planetary Science,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
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