MALAYSIA - A yam known for containing a neurotoxin poisonous to various species of insects,and some unfortunate people, is proving to be an effective maturation treatment for tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus).

Researchers at The Marine Aquaculture Breeding Technology Centre, at the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), Tanjung Demong, have developed a method of extracting the alkaloid dioscorine from Intoxicating Yam (Dioscorea hispida), known locally as ubi gadong. When dissolved in water, it produces a phytosteroid sapogenin, diosgenin, that is being fed to replace synthetic hormone injections in the maturation process.

Problems faced by the centre, such as inconsistent supply of grouper seeds, the production of low-quality eggs from the female parent fish and the costly dependency of broodstock from outside, prompted the center to begin the research into a cost effective solution to breeding the fish. (Source: Bernama)