Abstract
Toxicity of ethanolic extract of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud. leaves was evaluated against rice field rats, Bandicota bengelensis Gray and Hardwicke at 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% (2.5g a.i, 5.0g a.i, 10.0g a.i and 20.0g a.i, respectively per 1000g wheat flour and broken rice) in the laboratory. The quantity of bait consumed, hemorrhages (external and internal), pathological evidence and mortality were recorded in rats fed on Gliricidia sepium leaves extract. Feed consumption tests showed that bait ingestion was inversely proportional to concentration. Gliricidia sepium gave 100% mortality in 6.75 ± 1.99 days at 2.0%, 50% in 11.50± 2.40 days at 1.0%, 30% in 12.0±3.25 days at 0.5% and0% at 0.25% concentrations. The results demonstrated good acceptability and effectiveness of Gliricidia sepium against the rice field, rat Bandicota bengalensis.
