The use of plant extracts to control tilapia reproduction: Current status and future perspectives
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of The World Aquaculture Society
Abstract
Control of prolific reproduction is vital for a profitable tilapia
aquaculture enterprise. All-male tilapia culture is a popular
method used to control prolific breeding, because the
male individuals grow faster than female and mixed-sex
populations. Presently, most farmers use 17α-methyl testosterone
(MT) to produce all-male tilapia individuals,
although synthetic hormones are linked to human health
and environmental risks. Recently, considerable attention
has focused on plant-based products as alternatives to MT,
because they are affordable, safe, and eco-friendly. Despite
the growing interest in using plant extracts to prevent frequent
spawning in tilapia production, the available information
is not collated to standardize application guidelines.
Accordingly, this review article consolidates existing knowledge
on the use of plant extracts to control prolific breeding
in tilapia culture systems. In addition, limitations to commercial
application of the extracts are identified. To date, seed,
root, and leaf extracts of 20 plant species, most notably,
Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens, and Carica papaya,
exhibit potential for controlling unwanted breeding in tilapia
production systems. The extracts are mainly administered
orally, incorporated in fish feeds. Saponins and flavanoids
are the main bioactive compounds in the phytoextracts, which induce sex inversion and fertility impairment in tilapia.
The commercialization of plant extracts is, however,
hampered by lack of standardized information on extract
preparation, optimal dosages, and mechanism of action.
Thus, future studies should address these technical limitations
and highlight economic incentives for commercial use
of plant extracts in tilapia aquaculture.
Description
Keywords
All-male tilapia, Aquaculture, Phytochemicals, Synthetic hormones, 17α-methyl testosterone
Citation
Abaho, I., Masembe, C., Akoll, P., & Jones, C. L. (2022). The use of plant extracts to control tilapia reproduction: Current status and future perspectives. Journal of The World Aquaculture Society, 53(3), 593-619. DOI: 10.1111/jwas.12863