Chromosome inversions in Indian Drosophila melanogaster

Ten laboratory stocks of Drosophila melanogaster initiated from females collected in different localities in India were analysed for chromosome inversions. Six inversions were found to be present, three in 2L, one in 2R, one in 3L and one in 3R. Out of these six inversions, three are new and are being reported for the first time. Furthermore, this is the first report of inversion polymorphism in Indian D. melanogaster. The persistence of inversion polymorphism in our laboratory stocks of D. melanogaster which were maintained for more than one year under laboratory conditions, suggests some heterotic advantage of inversion heterozygotes.