Dietary methyl farnesoate, a potential growth inducer in male crab Oziothelphusa senex senex

Abstract

Insect juvenile hormone-like compound methyl farnesoate (MF), identified through 'reverse endocrinology' in crustaceans is a sesqui-terpenoid and plays crucial role in growth well proved by direct administration into the animals at laboratory conditions. However, these studies are not reached to the cultural ponds. Moreover, dietary supplementation of MF and its effects on growth in crustaceans is still at infancy. The present study tested MF (concentration of 10-9, 10-8and 10-7moles/crab added to commercial shrimp pellet diet) in the growth of male crab Oziothelphusa senex senex (Oss) supplemented every alternative day for about 40 days. Along with experimental group control and eyestalk removed (ESX) groups are maintained. Dietary MF induced significant enhancement in the growth of male crab. The most effective group MF 10-8moles/crab supplemented. The frequency of growth induction found in this study is MF 10-8>10-9>10-7moles/crab ≤ ESX and molted percentage is 27.5%, 17.5%, 10%, 10% in each group, respectively. The dietary supplementation of MF effective in inducing growth in cultured crustaceans thereby increases the yield of crustacean protein.