UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Copper based compounds are used to control pests worldwide but they can be toxic to fish and other non-target organisms. So, it is essential to identify effective formulations with the lowest non-target toxicities. In this study the toxic effects of Bordeaux mixture on fingerlings of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) was studied. In the common carp fingerlings behavioural, histological alteration and biochemical variations were evaluated. The LC₅₀ of Bordeaux on common carp was 0.04, 0.05, 0.06 and 0.07 mg/L. Fish mortality increased significantly with increasing concentration and time of exposure. Behavioural responses of fish samples exposed to Bordeaux mixture included uncontrolled swimming, erratic movements, loss of balance and swimming near the water surface with sudden jerk movements. The treated fingerlings showed histopathological alterations in their muscles and gill lamellae. Splitting of muscle fibre and muscle band degeneration of studied fish samples was observed in muscle tissue. The major changes observed in gills included ruptured gill epithelium, lamellar fusion, epithelial lifting and vacuolization at the tip of lamellae. The fungicide decreased the concentration of glycogen and protein in muscle and gill tissue compared to control samples. In conclusion, this study suggests that judicious use of fungicides should be practiced by farmers. Use of Bio pesticides and natural products should be encouraged to reduce the toxic effects of the fungicides.