Prevention of Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri damage to sunflower Helianthus annus—a new approach

Sunflower Helianthus annus is an important oilseed crop in semi-arid and rain fed areas of the Mysore district of Karnataka state (India). The crop is grown in isolated patches. It attracts a large number of Rose-ringed Parakeets Psittacula krameri. Even by following the recommended prevention practices, the crop is not fully protected from parakeet damage and the farmers lose 10–40% of the crop. Field experiments were conducted near Mysore, to protect sunflower from parakeet damage. Newer ways were developed to prevent the sunflower heads being eaten by parakeets. Coloured decorative tencil, coloured carry-bags and shiny paper plates were placed on the backs of sunflower heads to scare off the parakeets. These materials were placed on the plants randomly in different blocks. Parakeets did not damage the treated plants for the entire duration of the study. The treated blocks had significantly lower parakeet damage compared to the control blocks. Thus, the mechanical placement of tencil, carry-bags and plates can form an important tool in the management of parakeet damage in sunflower. The behavioural basis of protection against parakeet damage and cost involved are also discussed.