Small Mammals in Sugar Beet Stands and Their Significance in Terms of Damage to Sugar Beet Production

Research on small mammal species abundance was carried out in relation to their harmfulness to sugar beet crop. In the period of 7 years the most abundant species were pygmy field mouse (Apodemis uralensis), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and field vole (Microtus arvalis). Other five species were of marginal importance. The most significant pest, the common vole, was the only pest species whose feeding behaviour was observed and which can reduce crop yield if occurring in high population densities. All dominant species abundance correlates as small mammal sp. invasion into the crop occurs after the cereal crops are harvested and infestation of weeds starts. The recommended prevention should concentrate above all on the knowledge of the field vole population dynamic and in case of pest outbreak on the choice of registered crop protection by pesticides. Biological crop protection is based on support and protection of birds of prey and carnivore sp., eventually in a suitable crop rotation in the fields adjacent to the sugar beet stands.