Sapronegnia Fungus Species: A THREAT TO SUSTAINABLE FISH PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In the hatchery, where primary production of fries and fingerlings were the key to sustainable fish production is currently faced with obnoxious problem caused from infection on the hatchling eggs of freshwater fish by the Sapronegnia Fungus Species (SFS) at the hatchery production units of every aquaculture outfits in Nigeria and elsewhere in the tropics. In an attempt to control SFS in the hatchery, fish farmers regularly make used of synthetic chemicals are used to control fish eggs infection in the hatchery. Currently, world is tending towards the campaign on the use of organic fungicides application in aquaculture sector as a results of their cost effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. Searching for the most effective organic fungicides is unabated. The paper therefore reviewed on causes of saprolegniasis in fish, mode of Saprolegniasis infection on freshwater fish and eggs,effects of Saprolegnia on aquatic organisms and their biosafety, synthetic fungicides treatment of Saprolegnia, organic fungicides treatment of Saprolegnia: medicinal plants to the rescue, benefit of organic fungicides application in sustainable fish production in Nigeria and elsewhere in the tropics. Some safety recommendations were proposed for proper usage of organic fungicides in sustainable aquaculture production in the hatchery operations in Nigeria.