Landcare Research – New Zealand:
Rabbit and Possums

Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research – New Zealand

13 July 1995

File No: 11/01/1
Enquiries to: D.R. Morgan

Mr. Jeremy Suckling
Newfield Marketing
123 Main South Road
PO Box 11303
Christchurch 4

Dear Jeremy

We have now completed preliminary pen trials of Plantskydd® against both possums and wild rabbits. I enclose copies of the data which show the % of individual trees remaining over time, using Treepel™ as a positive treatment.

I have also enclosed a copy of a paper which explains the method we use for pen assessments of repellents, and attached is a summary of the analysis of Plantskydd® v. Treepel™ showing a comparison of the mean area under the browse curves. This shows that Plantskydd® was significantly more effective than Treepel™ against rabbits, and equally effective as Treepel™ against possums.

If you would like us to continue with a more robust phase of assessment, involving field trials, we would be happy to discuss the options by which this research could be done.

Yours sincerely,

David Morgan
Pest Control Technology Team