*4.8.2.4 Black rat,* Rattus rattus *Wroughtoni.*

Rat incidence on oil palm seedlings is recorded in all the nurseries. It is more serious in poorly managed nurseries. They're found feeding on the kernel portion of the nuts causing mortality to the seedlings. Incidence is so severe when the spreading of primary seedlings is not done even after 6 months and where the soil is drained therefore the roots are exposed due to poor irrigation practices. In Mizoram, Boi (bamboo rat *Cannomys badius*) could be a common pest feeding on the roots of the newly planted oil palms (**Figure 16**).

**Figure 16.** *Black rat furrowing in oil palm garden.*
