The extract of the Broussonetia papyrifera can be used as a raw material source for the sterility agent of Microtus fortis

Abstract Background: The plant sterilants are studied to control rodent populations with their minimal environmental risk and other ethical considerations. However, the practical utilization was unsatisfactory and stagnant due to high costs and process difficulties. Broussonetia papyrifera is a potential plant material, that showed inhibition to reproduction of Microtus fortis, which usually caused serious damages to crops around the Dongting Lake region, China. The M. fortis were treated with different doses of B. papyrifera leaves methanol extract. Results: The results showed growth of sex organs were inhibited, male testosterone level and sperm quality reduced. Though there were some positive effects on female, the reproductive parameters of couple voles were also inferior, most treated couple spent more reproductive time, fetal counts and weight were worse. It is also found that M. fortis would obviously negative respond to the extract after the single treatment or long-term repeated treatment rather than the short-term repeated treatment. B. papyrifera leaves showed the more applicative potential of sterilant for male rodents. Conclusions: These findings enrich the study of plant sterilants,and provide insights into the utilization of B. papyrifera and management of rodents. Owing to effectiveness and accessibility of the leaves, the derived sterilant may be more economic in the practice that controlling rodent pest.