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Location
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Start Date
18-10-1987 12:00 AM
Description
The December 1983 freeze inflicted tremendous damage to the South Texas citrus groves and reduced tree numbers by approximately fifty percent. Additionally, it is believed that Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) populations have increased over the past few years. With decreased citrus acreage and increased grackle numbers, the severe negative effects are economically significant to the Texas citrus industry.
Grackle damage to grapefruit and oranges differs in type and economic importance. The first is "cosmetic" in nature, small pecks or scratches on the fruit skin, and downgrades the fruit, reducing its value. The second is actual crop loss due to consumption of fruit pulp.
Several techniques were used to disperse birds from citrus groves including propane exploders and pyrotechniques. In addition, attempts were made at population reduction through the use of live traps, shooting, treated baits, mist nets, and a floodlight trap.
Some work has been reported on various agricultural problems with grackles; however, literature on grackle predation to citrus is limited. Our work identifies a unique problem to citrus, and future research is needed for long term potential solutions.
Recommended Citation
Hobbs, J., & Leon, F. G. (1987). Great-tailed grackle predation on south Texas citrus: (Identifying a unique problem). In Holler, N. R. (Ed.), The Third Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (pp. 143-148). Gulf Shores, AL: Auburn University.
Included in
Great-Tailed Grackle Predation on South Texas Citrus: (Identifying a Unique Problem)
Gulf Shores, Alabama
The December 1983 freeze inflicted tremendous damage to the South Texas citrus groves and reduced tree numbers by approximately fifty percent. Additionally, it is believed that Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) populations have increased over the past few years. With decreased citrus acreage and increased grackle numbers, the severe negative effects are economically significant to the Texas citrus industry.
Grackle damage to grapefruit and oranges differs in type and economic importance. The first is "cosmetic" in nature, small pecks or scratches on the fruit skin, and downgrades the fruit, reducing its value. The second is actual crop loss due to consumption of fruit pulp.
Several techniques were used to disperse birds from citrus groves including propane exploders and pyrotechniques. In addition, attempts were made at population reduction through the use of live traps, shooting, treated baits, mist nets, and a floodlight trap.
Some work has been reported on various agricultural problems with grackles; however, literature on grackle predation to citrus is limited. Our work identifies a unique problem to citrus, and future research is needed for long term potential solutions.