Piscicidal activity of Parthenium hysterophorus L. on Labeo rohita - A herbal piscicides

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the piscicidal activity of locally available plant on Labeo rohita. The studies were focused on the laboratory determination of lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC100) through a static bioassay test. Leaf extracts of P. hysterophorus L. (Family Apocynaceae) were used for these studies. Concentrations range from 0.5ml/L to 15ml/L were tried. Based on results it was found that in advanced fry, LC50 (1ml/L) and LC100 (1.5ml/L) and in semi fingerlings LC50 (2ml/L) and LC100 (3ml/L) were observed. Based on the 96 h lethal concentration study, P. hysterophorus showed the strongest piscicidal activity. During exposure, fish exhibited discoloration, gulping for air, erratic swimming, loss of reflexes, slow opercular movement and ultimately settling at the bottom motionless. Present results showed that locally available weed plants have the potential to be used as piscicides, which can be used for eradication of undesirable fish species present in fish ponds.