Troy Radtke

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2008

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

Abstract

Resident giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) can cause significant crop damage to soybeans especially when adult geese are molting and young geese are still flightless. I evaluated the effectiveness of a program administered by South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department (SDGFP) designed to alleviate this crop damage. I also determined other factors that affected the amount of goose damage to soybeans. Distance of soybean field from standing water and visual obscurity by shoreline vegetation were important in determining use by geese. Geese damaged soybeans that were closer to water (p < 0.001) and had shorelines with less visual obstruction (p=0.007). The application of deterrents by SDGFP was effective in reducing crop damage (p ≤0.001), but the date of application was important (p ≤ 0.003). Fields where deterrents were applied early in the growing season had less damage than fields where deterrents were applied later. If deterrents are properly applied as soon as damage starts, Canada goose damage to soybeans can be kept to a minimum. Energized fences were the most effective deterrent for molting geese, while visual and sonic deterrents were effective for flying geese. In addition, sites must be maintained regularly and adjustments made to deterrents if goose damage continues.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Soybean -- Losses -- South Dakota

Canada goose -- South Dakota

Bird pests -- South Dakota

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

47

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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