author(s)
Shipra Sachdeva and Dr. Neena Singla

abstract
Microencapsulation of the desired oil reduces the evaporation rate due to limited permeability of thin wall material thereby increasing efficacy for a longer period. For evaluating antifeedant effect, microcapsules containing three different concentrations of the oil (3, 5 or 7%) and mixed in food at 5, 10 and 20% concentrations were exposed to house rats, Rattus rattus. Significant antifeedant effect of microcapsules was found at all the three concentrations of oil and that of microcapsules. Significant repellent effect of the oil was observed on all the 7 days at 5% concentration. Maze experiment revealed reduced activities of rats in zone treated with microcapsules containing 5% oil compared to untreated zone. Under simulated store conditions, microcapsules containing 5% oil showed significant repellent and antifeedant effect which persisted for all the 15 days of the experiment. Present study suggests the use of microcapsules containing 5% eucalyptus oil to reduce rodent damage in storage.