Phytobiotics in Reproductive Management in Aquaculture: Innovations in Sex Reversal and Control

Abstract

The use of synthetic hormones like 17α-methyltestosterone for sex reversal in aquaculture has raised significant environmental and health concerns, prompting the exploration of safer alternatives. Phytobiotics, derived from medicinal plants, offer promising endocrine-modulating properties suitable for sex control in farmed fish species. This chapter reviews the mechanisms by which phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, and steroidal compounds influence sex differentiation pathways. Key findings from laboratory trials and field applications demonstrate the effectiveness of phytobiotics like Tribulus terrestris, Basella alba, Eurycoma longifolia, and Mucuna pruriens in achieving partial or complete masculinization in species including Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Poecilia reticulata. Case studies highlight variations in response due to dosage, administration method, timing, and species specificity. Comparative analyses with synthetic hormones reveal that phytobiotics, while sometimes less efficient, offer benefits in terms of safety, biodegradability, and economic viability. The chapter also outlines innovative delivery methods, including encapsulation and nanoformulations, for optimizing bioavailability and palatability. Overall, phytobiotic-based strategies show substantial potential as sustainable and scalable tools for sex control in aquaculture.