SMALL farmers who cannot afford
expensive rat-poisons now have a
cheap, natural alternative: A fastgrowing tropical tree, Ghricidia sepium, whose leaves when fermented
act as a potent rat-killer (Ceres, Vol
25, No 2). The vermin die of internal
bleeding as the toxin reduces production of prothrombin, a blood-clotting
agent secreted in the liver.
Gliricidia sepium is not just a ratkiller; its seedlings are considered a
delicacy by humans, it serves as an
excellent feed for livestock, and can
be used as green manure as well.
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