Broussonetia papyrifera Extract Can Be Used as a Raw Material Source for a Sterility Agent for Microtus fortis.

Abstract

Plant sterilants are used to control rodent populations due to their minimal environmental risk and other ethical considerations. However, their practical utilization is unsatisfactory due to high costs and processing difficulties. Broussonetia papyrifera is a plant material that has shown the potential to inhibit the reproduction of Microtus fortis, a species that causes serious damage to crops in the Dongting Lake region in China. M. fortis was treated with different doses of B. papyrifera leaf methanol extracts. The results show that the growth of sex organs was inhibited, and the males' testosterone levels and sperm quality were reduced. Though there were some positive effects on females, the reproductive parameters of coupled voles were inferior; the most treated couple exhibited an increased reproductive time, fetal counts, and reduced weight. It was also found that M. fortis responded negatively to the extract after a single treatment or long-term repeated treatment compared to a short-term repeated treatment. B. papyrifera leaves showed a higher application potential as a sterilant for male rodents. These findings enrich the study of plant sterilants and provide insights into the utilization of B. papyrifera and the management of rodents. Owing to the effectiveness and accessibility of the leaves, the derived sterilant may be more economical for controlling rodent pests.