Toxicity of a management bait for grass carp incorporated with Antimycin A

Abstract

Publisher: Springer

This study investigates a novel, selective approach to controlling invasive grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) using a management bait containing Antimycin A. Traditional pesticides like Rotenone and Carbon Dioxide-Carp are nonselective and applied throughout water bodies, affecting both invasive and native species. Researchers developed a bait-based delivery system using rapeseed and wax-encapsulated Antimycin A to exploit the feeding behavior of grass carp and minimize environmental impact.

Toxicity tests were conducted on both grass carp and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to evaluate the bait’s effectiveness and selectivity via water-based exposure and oral ingestion. While rainbow trout were more sensitive to Antimycin A in water, both species showed similar sensitivity when exposed orally. Laboratory trials demonstrated that grass carp would consume the bait and experience lethal effects, confirming the bait’s potential for selective control.

The study also assessed Antimycin A leaching from the bait, finding that most of the chemical remained within the bait for several hours, supporting the feasibility of targeted application. This method represents a promising tool for invasive species management and could be integrated into broader pest control strategies, especially where traditional removal techniques are ineffective or too labor-intensive.