不同基质传代白僵菌对桑天牛幼虫的侵染力与寄主血淋巴酚氧化酶活性的关系

以诱集自土壤中、对桑天牛Apriona germari幼虫具有较高致病性的球孢白僵菌Beauveria bassiana Bb00为出发菌株R0,经反复接种桑天牛幼虫分别获得菌株R1、R2、R3和R4,而通过反复在普通查氏培养基上传代分别获得菌株M1、M2、M3和M4。分别用R0、R2、R4和M2、M4接种桑天牛幼虫,发现在普通培养基上传代会导致菌株致病力降低,而通过桑天牛幼虫传代培养可提高菌株的致病力。桑天牛幼虫感染白僵菌后,其免疫互作使酚氧化酶活性先迅速上升,随后因菌株的适应性增强而开始下降。用菌株M2、M4接种桑天牛幼虫后,其血淋巴酚氧化酶活性比接种R2和R4的高。各菌株引起的桑天牛幼虫酚氧化酶活性出现高峰值的时间与其LT50值具有一定的相关性,反映了各菌株不同的侵染速度;同时各菌株引起的酚氧化酶活性高峰值也与其LC50值高度相关。说明桑天牛幼虫血淋巴中酚氧化酶活性与不同菌株对桑天牛幼虫的毒力具有一定的相关性,同时酚氧化酶活性也可作为反映菌株毒力的一个重要参考指标。     

五种昆虫生长调节剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊的致毒作用

为明确昆虫生长调节剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊幼虫的毒力差异、作用特点和田间控制效果,采用药液定量滴加法比较了5种昆虫生长调节剂对其不同龄期幼虫的毒力、LC50对4龄幼虫生长发育和繁殖的影响,以及药剂致毒的温度效应和盆栽防效。结果表明:5种昆虫生长调节剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊2龄和4龄幼虫的毒力均以虱螨脲最高,LC50分别为0.173 mg/L和0.295 mg/L,氟铃脲和氟啶脲次之,均高于对照药剂辛硫磷;而吡丙醚和灭蝇胺低于辛硫磷。5种昆虫生长调节剂以LC50处理4龄幼虫后,虱螨脲、氟铃脲和氟啶脲对其存活幼虫后续发育历期、成虫羽化率和繁殖力的影响较大,尤其是单雌产卵量较清水对照分别降低72.6%、57.8%和58.1%;灭蝇胺也可使成虫产卵量降低;吡丙醚可引起卵孵化率下降。该类药剂对其幼虫的毒力基本不受环境温度的影响;虱螨脲、氟铃脲和氟啶脲7.5、15 g a.i./667 m2处理对当代4龄幼虫的防效较低,但对下一代幼虫的防效可达93%以上;虱螨脲、氟铃脲和灭蝇胺与新烟碱类的噻虫胺混用,可显著提高药剂的速效性,且持续控制作用好。     

Biological and biochemical parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails exposed to the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban as water suspensions of their dry powder

Four plant species, as a dry powder of their leaves, were tested against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. The bioassay tests revealed the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban to be more toxic to the snails than the other two ones. Therefore, they were tested against snails’ fecundity (M_x), reproduction rate (R_o) and their infection with S. mansoni miracidia. In addition, total protein concentration and the activities of the transaminases (AsT and AlT) and phosphatases (AcP and AkP) enzymes in hemolymph and tissues of snails treated with these plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated.Exposure of snails for 4 weeks to LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban dry powder markly suppressed their M_x and R_o. The reduction rates of R_o for snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants were 62.1% and 76.4%, respectively. As well, a considerable reduction in the infection rates of snails exposed to these plants either during, pre- or post-miracidial exposure was recorded. Thus, infection rates of snails treated during miracidial exposure with LC₁₀ of D. stramonium and S. sesban were 41.7% and 52.2%, respectively, compared to 92.6% for control group (P < 0.01). These plants, also, reduced the duration of cercarial shedding and cercarial production/snail. So, snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants shed 372.8 and 223.2 cercariae/snail, respectively, compared to 766.3 cercariae/infected control snail (P < 0.01).The results, also, revealed that glucose and total protein concentrations in hemolymph of snails treated with LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of these plants were decreased, meanwhile, the activities of the enzymes AsT, AlT, AcP and AkP were elevated (P < 0.01). However, the activity of AcP in tissues of treated snails was decreased compared to that of control ones. It is concluded that LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban negatively interferes with biological and physiological activities of B. alexandrina snails, consequently it could be effective in interrupting and minimizing the transmission of S. mansoni.     

噻虫胺等药剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊的致毒效应

为了明确新烟碱类药剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊的毒力,采用管测药膜法和药液定量滴加法测定了噻虫胺等6种药剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊不同虫态的毒力,并研究了噻虫胺、甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐和辛硫磷亚致死浓度对其4龄幼虫生长发育和繁殖的影响。结果表明,新烟碱类杀虫剂噻虫胺、吡虫啉和噻虫嗪对成虫的击倒毒力均较高,分别是阿维菌素的5.75、3.86和3.51倍;6种药剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊卵的毒力均较低;对2龄和4龄幼虫的毒力,均以噻虫胺最高,LC₅₀分别为0.339 mg/L和1.020 mg/L,分别是阿维菌素的27.00倍和25.23倍。用噻虫胺亚致死剂量处理韭菜迟眼蕈蚊4龄幼虫,其发育历期和蛹期延长,蛹重、化蛹率、成虫羽化率、单雌产卵量和卵孵化率均降低。     

Effect of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil against lesser mulberry pyralid Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lep: Pyralidae) and identification of its major derivatives

The major constituents of the oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill were estimated as borneoll (8.57%), alpha terpinene (6.22%), linolool (4.91%) geranyl proprionate (3.76%), butanoic acid hexyl ester (2.99%) and caryophyllene oxide (2.72%). LC₁₀, LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ were estimated as 0.31%, 0.705% and 1.24% respectively. The sublethal concentration (LC₃₀) of essential oil affected the nutritional indices of 4th instar larvae of Glyphodes pyloalis. The essential oil reduced total protein, carbohydrate and lipid when compared with the control. All concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) of essential oil affected the major macromolecules and activities of key enzyme in G. pyloalis.     

七种新烟碱类杀虫剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊幼虫及蚯蚓的选择毒力

为筛选出高效安全的韭蛆防治药剂,室内采用胃毒触杀联合毒力法比较了吡虫啉、啶虫脒、噻虫嗪、噻虫胺、呋虫胺、烯啶虫胺、噻虫啉与毒死蜱和高效氯氟氰菊酯等6种对照药剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊幼虫的毒力,同时用人工土壤法测定了13种药剂对蚯蚓的急性毒性,并通过盆栽试验验证了其对韭蛆和蚯蚓的选择毒力。结果表明,吡虫啉、噻虫胺、呋虫胺、噻虫啉、噻虫嗪对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊4龄幼虫的毒力明显高于6种对照药剂,对虫酰肼的相对毒力倍数分别为101.6、55.0、32.9、27.2、13.6;13种供试药剂中,除吡虫啉、啶虫脒、噻虫胺、呋虫胺对蚯蚓中等毒性外,其余均为低毒;盆栽试验中,吡虫啉、噻虫嗪、毒死蜱、噻唑膦、高效氯氟氰菊酯的防虫效果和保苗效果均分别高于其它药剂,但其中只有噻虫嗪对蚯蚓没有明显致死作用。     

Acute and reproductive toxicity of Annona squamosa to Aedes albopictus

The current study involved evaluation of the toxicity of acetone soluble fraction of the ethanol extract of Annona squamosa Linn. seeds on Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Toxicity of fresh sample has been compared with that of solar radiated and heat treated aliquots of the same. Acute toxicity of fresh acetone fraction on adults was evident with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 15.21 and 60.38 μg/ml, respectively. Larvicidal bioassays recorded LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values ranging from 0.44 to 5.97 and 1.64-43.36 μg/ml, respectively for different instars. Ovicidal bioassays yielded EC₅₀ and EC₉₀ values of 18.82 and 69.61 μg/ml. The study further revealed ovipositional deterrent and chemosterilant activities of the extract on the target mosquito. Bioassays using solar radiation and heat treated samples of the active fraction have showed toxicity levels similar to those of fresh sample. Chemical analysis of acetone soluble fraction of seed extract of A. squamosa has reveled ethyl oleate and iso-octyl phthalate as major components. Adulticidal, larvicidal, ovicidal, ovipositional deterrent and chemosterilant activities of the fraction on A. albopictus were proved. The investigation further confirmed stability of the active fraction on exposure to solar radiation and high temperature.     

Physiological effect of chitinase purified from Bacillus subtilis against the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura Fab.

An extracellular chitinase was purified from Bacillus subtilis. The lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was determined by using chitinase in first, second, and third instars of Spodoptera litura Fab. Chitinase showed the highest insecticidal activity at 6 μM concentration within 48 h. The nutritional indices were also significantly affected by the 6 μM concentration (P < 0.05). Food consumption, efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food, relative growth rate, and consumption values declined significantly while approximate digestibility was increased. Our study indicates that treatment of host plant leaves with the chitinase can regulate (reduce) larval growth and weight, and enhance the mortality. This may serve as an effective biocide and alternative to Bt toxin.     

亚致死浓度氯虫苯甲酰胺对小菜蛾药剂敏感度和解毒酶活性的影响

采用叶片药膜法,使用亚致死浓度(LC10、LC25)的氯虫苯甲酰胺对小菜蛾Plutella xylostella(L.)3龄幼虫连续处理5代后,试虫对氯虫苯甲酰胺的敏感度分别比敏感品系下降了57.3% 和67.7%,同时对多杀菌素的敏感度也分别下降了60.2% 和51.5%,但对毒死蜱和高效氯氰菊酯的敏感度变化不明显。采用该浓度的氯虫苯甲酰胺分别处理小菜蛾3龄幼虫24、48和72 h,可诱导其羧酸酯酶(CarE)比活力上升,但对细胞色素P450 O-脱乙基酶(ECOD)、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GSTs)和芳基酰胺酶(AA)有明显的抑制作用;连续处理5代后,小菜蛾CarE和ECOD的比活力显著高于对照组,分别为对照组的1.16、1.40倍和1.65、1.56倍,但GSTs和AA的比活力则分别比对照下降了11.0%、27.5%和43.6%、52.5%。结果表明,小菜蛾对氯虫苯甲酰胺产生抗性的风险较高;羧酸酯酶和多功能氧化酶可能与小菜蛾对氯虫苯甲酰胺的敏感度下降有关。     

低剂量甲氧虫酰肼对舞毒蛾生长发育的影响

采用药剂短期处理和连续处理,测定了低剂量LC_(10)和LC_(30)甲氧虫酰肼处理舞毒蛾4龄幼虫后,对其各项发育指标、营养指标及各发育阶段形态的影响.结果表明,LC_(10)和LC_(30)剂量甲氧虫酰肼能显著降低舞毒蛾幼虫成活率、化蛹率、6龄虫重及雌蛹重,与对照组相比,LC_(30)剂量处理24 h后,舞毒蛾5龄和6龄幼虫成活率、化蛹率、6龄虫重及雌蛹重明显降低,依次为48.89%、72.62%、62.22%、0.21 g和0.75 g,且LC_(30)剂量对幼虫和蛹的致死性较LC_(10)剂量明显,连续处理较短期处理明显,差异均显著(P<0.05).低剂量甲氧虫酰肼对幼虫营养指标也存在明显影响,LC_(10)剂量能抑制幼虫相对取食量(RCR),LC_(30)剂量能抑制食物利用率(ECI),且两者均能显著抑制幼虫相对生长率(RGR)(P<0.05).同时低剂量甲氧虫酰肼能导致舞毒蛾幼虫畸形,畸形率为62.53%.说明低剂量甲氧虫酰肼可取代高毒农药,用于防治森林鳞翅目害虫.     

The effects of Artemisia annua L. and Achillea millefolium L. crude leaf extracts on the toxicity, development, feeding efficiency and chemical activities of small cabbage Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

The biological effects of two important medicinal plants, Artemisia annua L. and Achillea millefolium (L.) (viz, mortality, growth, and feeding indices as well as enzyme and non-enzymatic activities) were studied on small white Pieris rapae L a deleterious pest of cruciferous plants under controlled conditions (16:8 h L:D at 25 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% RH). The LC₅₀ and LC₂₅ values were 9.387% and 3.645% for A. annua L. and 4.19% and 1.69% for A. millefolium (L.), respectively. At the lowest concentration (0.625%), the deterrency was 29.826% and 44.185% for A. annua L. and A. millefolium (L.), respectively. Feeding indices were variously affected with changes in a number of parameters and an increase in larval and pupal duration. The activity level of alkaline phosphatase increased sharply while alanin and aspartate aminotransferases showed a sharp decrease. For non-enzymatic compounds, the amount of glucose and uric acid increased, but total protein and cholesterol decreased. These results indicate that these two medicinal plants might possess potential secondary metabolites that may be useful for controlling potential insect pests.     

The effects of diet on the detection of resistance to Cry1Ac toxin in Australian Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The effects of raw or heat-denatured soybean flour in an artificial diet on the detection of Cry1Ac resistance in Helicoverpa armigera were examined. Resistant neonate larvae reared on denatured soybean flour diet showed resistance factors of 7980 and 16,901 at the LC₅₀ and LC_99.9 levels, respectively. By comparison, resistance could not be detected in neonate larvae reared on raw flour diet. Third instar larvae reared on denatured flour diet showed resistance factors of 322 and 21,190 at the LC₅₀ and LC_99.9 levels. Resistance was not detected in third instar larvae reared on raw flour diet. There was 68% survival of resistant neonate larvae on Bollgard II cotton leaf feeding assays, compared to 100% mortality in a susceptible strain. We conclude that detection of CRY1Ac resistance in H. armigera from Australia can be masked, if an artificial diet gives chronic exposure to potent, protease inhibitors present in raw soy flour.     

Synthesis and insecticidal activities of pyridine ring derivatives of podophyllotoxin

In an attempt to find the biorational pesticides, we synthesized 12 pyridinyl derivatives of podophyllotoxin (PPT) and 4′-demthylepipodophylltoxin (4′-DMEP) in this study. Their structures and the α/β substitution at C-4 were confirmed by ¹H NMR, IR, MS spectral analyses and elemental analysis. The insecticidal activities were tested against fifth-instar larvae of Pieris rapae and the third-instar larvae of Cullex pipiens pallens at concentrations of 250 and 10 μg ml⁻¹. Four derivatives of PPT, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.5, showed higher insecticidal activities against P. rapae than PPT, while three derivatives of PPT, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6, displayed higher mosquito larvicidal activity than PPT, with LC₅₀ values of 1.66, 3.96 and 1.54 mg l⁻¹, respectively. Interestingly, we also found that the pyridine ring derivatives of PPT showed delayed insecticidal activity, which is different from traditional neurotic insecticides. The results suggest that 4′-OCH₃ in the PPT derivatives is essential to keep the insecticidal activity and the insecticidal activities of pyridine ring derivatives of PPT are higher than that of the derivatives of 4′-DMEP, supporting PPT has the potential to be a lead structure of semi-synthetic insecticides.     

多杀菌素亚致死浓度对小菜蛾解毒酶系活力的影响

采用多杀菌素亚致死浓度,以浸叶法分别处理小菜蛾Plutella xylostella (L.)敏感种群(SS)和亚致死选育种群 的3龄幼虫,分别测定饲喂处理6、12、24、48和72 h后小菜蛾体内羧酸酯酶(CarE)、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GST) 和多功能氧化酶(MFOs)的活性,分析了酶活性的变化动态。结果表明,SS种群小菜蛾CarE的活性在不同时间段波动较大,经多杀菌素处理后,开始时段比活力增加,随着处理时间的延长,比活力逐渐被抑制,Sub-SS种群的GarE活力高于SS种群;多杀菌素对GST具有明显的诱导作用,亚致死浓度处理后GSTs比活力呈上升趋势,且具有一定的时间效应;对细胞色素P450酶系的O-脱甲基酶活性具有明显的抑制作用,多杀菌素亚致死浓度连续处理5代后,该酶活性更低。     

Flufenoxuron, an acylurea insect growth regulator, alters development of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) by modulating levels of chitin, soluble protein content, and HSP70 and p34 in the larval tissues

The effect of sublethal concentrations, 0.00141% (LC₂₀), 0.00251% (LC₃₀), and 0.0036% (LC₄₀) of a dispersible formulation of an acylurea insect growth regulator, flufenoxuron (Cascade) on certain biochemical parameters in the larvae of Tribolium castaneum was investigated. When neonates were fed on diet treated with sublethal concentrations for 24 h, it was observed that at all concentrations tested, there was a significant reduction in chitin content on the 15th day of development. Total soluble protein content at LC₂₀ and LC₃₀ decreased with increasing age of the larvae. At LC₂₀ and LC₄₀ concentrations there was a progressive increase in the protein: chitin ratio as a function of increase in age of the larvae. SDS-PAGE analysis of the larval tissue extracts indicated gross quantitative changes in some of the protein bands (MW 50-97 kDa). Western blot analysis revealed significant increase in the level of HSP70 in the extracts of larvae fed on LC₃₀ treated diet, on the 7th and 10th day of development in the decreasing order. Conversely, a significant decrease in the hyper-phosphorylated form of p34^cdc2 kinase due to flufenoxuron treatment indicating modulation of cell cycle regulation was observed. Thus, sublethal concentrations of flufenoxuron alter expression of developmentally regulated proteins, HSP70 and p34^cdc2 and chitin formation in a stage-specific manner thereby resulting developmental abnormalities in T. castaneum.     

杠柳杀虫活性成分的分离

采用柱层析分离、高效液相色谱切分和生物活性追踪法,从杠柳 Periploca sepium 根皮甲醇提取物中分离出2个具有杀虫活性的化合物(G1和G2),经鉴定其分别为已知物杠柳新苷D和F。生物活性测定结果表明,化合物G1和G2 对3龄粘虫 Mythimna separata 48 h的胃毒致死中浓度(LC50)分别为0.39和0.34 mg/mL, 对小菜蛾 Plutella xyllostella 48 h的胃毒LC50值分别为1.21和1.39 mg/mL。     

Ultra-structural changes in the integument induced by the use of three of six forms of allylisothiocyanate tested against Plutella xylostella and Pieris rapae larvae

The insecticidal activity of four forms of Hong Jing (HJ) allylisothiocyanate (AITC), AITC + cypermethrin (HJ_A, HJ_B, and HJ_C) with ratio of (1:1, 4:1, and 2:1), pure AITC (HJ_D), and two forms of Hong Du (HD) AITC, AITC + chlorpyrifos (HD_A and HD_B) with ratio of (2:1 and 2:1), respectively, were studied on the major cruciferous insect larvae Plutella xylostella (L.) and Pieris rapae (L.) by combining both spraying and dipping methods. The P. rapae was more susceptible than P. xylostella larvae. The LC₅₀ values 72 h after treatment of AITC forms (HJ_B, HJ_A, HJ_C, HJ_D, HD_B, and HD_A) on the P. rapae were; 0.07, 0.08, 0.16, 0.83, 0.26, 1.08 gL⁻¹, and 0.69, 0.26, 5.45, 0.93, 3.01, 5.98 gL⁻¹ on the P. xylostella, respectively. The toxicity of some of the AITC forms was very close to or better than that of the commercial contact insecticides such as chlorpyrifos (LC₅₀ = 0.03 and 0.04 gL⁻¹ on P. rapae and P. xylostella, respectively), and cypermethrin (0.65 and 0.78 gL⁻¹, respectively, against P. rapae and P. xylostella). The ultrastructural studies on the integument of the third larval instar of P. xylostella treated by sub-lethal concentration (LC₂₀) of HJ_B, HJ_D, and HD_B were carried out by using transmission electron microscope. The more pronounced alterations in the hypodermis and mitochondria cells. They exhibited changes in all treated samples. The hypodermis was almost completely destroyed, and the mitochondria exhibited morphological alterations, represented by enlargement, matrix rarefaction and vacuolization of the mitochondria matrix, quantity of cristae reduced, and density electron matrix lessened. These AITC forms have potential as contact insecticides, and the ultra structural observations confirm the insecticidal efficiency of different AITC forms on P. rapae and P. xylostella.     

Comparative molluscicidal action of extract of Ginko biloba sarcotesta, arecoline and niclosamide on snail hosts of Schistosoma japonicum

In search for new local plant molluscicides for the control of the vectors of schistosomiasis, we compared the molluscicidal action of the extract of Ginkgo biloba sarcotesta by benzinum (EGSB) to that of arecoline (ARE) and niclosamide (NIC) against Oncomelania hupensis snails. NIC showed the highest toxicity on snails with 24 h LC₅₀ vales of 0.12 mg/L and LC₉₀ of 0.98 mg/L, while the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of EGSB were much lower than that of ARE. Sublethal in vivo 24 h exposure to 40% and 80% LC₅₀ of NIC, EGSB and ARE altered the activities of different enzymes in different body tissues of snails. EGSB could significantly inhibit Choline esterase (ChE), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Malic dehydrogenase (MDH) activities both in the cephalopodium and liver. ARE could significantly cause a reduction in ChE, ALP activities in the cephalopodium and ChE, ALT, ALP, Succinodehydrogenase (SDH), MDH activities in the liver. NIC significantly altered activities of ChE, ALT, ALP, SDH, and MDH in the cephalopodium and ChE, ALT, ALP, SDH activities in the liver. All molluscicides could not affect Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the cephalopodium and the liver. Maximum inhibition of ALT and MDH activities was found in the cephalopodium and liver of snails treated with 80% of 24 h LC₅₀ of EGSB. However, NIC and ARE caused maximum reduction in ALP and SDH activities, respectively. The results indicated that molluscicidal action of EGSB was different to that of ARE and NIC in some extent.     

Mosquito larvicidal activity of alkaloids from Zanthoxylum lemairei against the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae

Four alkaloids, 10-O-demethyl-17-O-methylisoarnottianamide 1, 6-acetonyl-N-methyl-dihydrodecarine 2, nitidine 3, and chelerythrine 4 were isolated from the plant Zanthoxylum lemairei (Rutaceae) and evaluated for mosquito larvicidal activity against the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. The mortalities of the larvae were determined after 24 h. The results of the larvicidal tests demonstrated that compounds 1 and 2 were the most potent with mortality rates of 96.7% and 98.3% at a concentration of 250 mg/L, respectively. Compound 3 was less potent with a mortality of 28.3% at the same concentration. The percent mortality of 100% was observed at a concentration of 500 mg/L. The least potent of the four alkaloids was compound 4, which achieved 100% mortality at 1000 mg/L. These findings could be useful in the research for newer more selective, biodegradable and natural larvicidal compounds or can be used as lead compounds for the development of larvicides.     

One-tenth dose of LC50 of 4-tert-butylphenol causes endocrine disruption and metabolic changes in Cyprinus carpio

Of the huge annual worldwide production (500,000 MT in 1997) of alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEs) that are widely used as nonionic surfactants and anti-oxidants in variety of products, 60% ends up in water bodies. They undergo biodegradation to form octyl-, butyl-, and nonyl-phenols. This experiment evaluated effects of 4-tert-butyl phenol (4-TBP) in Cyprinus carpio, a projected candidate species in sewage fed fisheries. The 96th h LC₅₀ of 4-TBP was found to be 6.9 mg/L. Fishes were treated with 1/10th (0.69 mg/L), 1/5th (1.38 mg/L), and 1/3rd (2.3 mg/L) dose of LC₅₀. Whereas there was significant (P < 0.01) decrease in alkaline phosphatase [EC 3.1.3.1] and aspartate aminotransferase [EC 2.6.1.1] activity; alanine aminotranferase [EC 2.6.1.2] and acid phosphatase [3.1.3.2] (except decrease at 1/10th dose of LC₅₀) activity, vitellogenin production in muscle and hepatic- and reno-somatic indices were increased compared to control. With all the dose levels tested, testicular-somatic index (testis size) was reduced (P < 0.01) and histo-architectural changes in testicular and liver tissue were found even in group given 1/3rd dose of LC₅₀.