STM Article Repository

Biodiversity is under threat due to injudicious use of chemical pesticides. Intended to kill harmful pests and insects, these chemicals also affect many non target organisms. The intention of present investigation is to study the harmful effects of pesticide, Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC on ovary and intestine of the fish, Clarias batrachus when exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of pesticide for 30 days. Observed under the Scanning Electron Microscope, the degenerative effects include oocyte shrinkage, immature oocyte growth, damage to ovigerous lamallae and vitellogenic membrane, low amount of yolk, damaged intestinal epitelium, degeneration of villi tip etc. These changes in the fish internal organs are not desirable for the overall health of the organism. Thus, it becomes very important to put a check on the injudicious use of the concerned pesticides in agricultural practices.