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Selection for malathion-resistance in Drosophila melanogaster
Canadian Journal of Genetics and Cytology. Journal Canadien De Genetique Et De Cytologie
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) developed malathion resistance through a polygenic system. Selection experiments revealed parallel increases in adult and larval resistance, with complex genetic interactions and an unexpected developmental delay.
Area of Science:
- * Genetics and Evolutionary Biology
- * Insecticide Resistance Mechanisms
- * Drosophila melanogaster Research
Background:
- * Understanding insecticide resistance is crucial for pest management.
- * Long-term selection experiments reveal genetic adaptation.
- * Malathion resistance in insects is a significant agricultural concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the genetic basis of malathion resistance in Drosophila melanogaster.
- * To analyze the response to varying selection intensities (high and low) over generations.
- * To characterize the inheritance patterns and potential pleiotropic effects of resistance.
Main Methods:
- * Utilized a population of 40 iso-female lines of Drosophila melanogaster.
- * Applied increasing concentrations of malathion in food under high (MH) and low (ML) selection intensities.
- * Monitored adult and larval resistance, dose-response curves, and developmental effects.
Main Results:
- * Consistent polygenic response observed, with parallel increases in adult and larval malathion resistance.
- * Larval resistance exhibited a maternal effect and co-dominant inheritance; adult resistance showed dominant (ML) and co-dominant (MH) patterns.
- * Selection induced a concentration-dependent developmental delay in both selected populations, persisting even without malathion exposure.
Conclusions:
- * Malathion resistance in Drosophila melanogaster is polygenic, with different inheritance patterns at varying selection intensities.
- * Larval resistance involves complex genetic factors, including maternal effects not explained by sex-linked genes.
- * Insecticide selection can lead to pleiotropic effects, such as developmental delays, impacting insect fitness.
