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Effect of chlorothalonil on Drosophila melanogaster development and reproductive output

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posted on 2024-07-12, 07:44 authored by Darshika Madhujeewani Dissawa Dissawe Mudiyanselage

Chlorothalonil is a fungicide that is widely used in agriculture around the world. The extensive application of chlorothalonil raises concerns about its impacts on non-target species, such as invertebrates. The present study explored the effects of chlorothalonil chronic exposure on the larval development and the reproductive output of the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were exposed to ten increasing concentrations of chlorothalonil at their larval stage. The effects of chlorothalonil were measured on larval pupation, as a proxy of larval survival and development, female fecundity (i.e. body weight, number of ovarioles, and number of eggs), and male iron level. Results showed a reduction in larval survival and an increase in developmental time for exposed larvae. Females had a lower body weight, a reduced number of ovarioles, and laid fewer eggs even when exposed to the lowest concentration of chlorothalonil (5 mg/kg of substrate) compared to non-exposed individuals. Males showed a lower iron content, suggesting altered iron metabolism following chlorothalonil exposure. These results demonstrate that chronic exposure to chlorothalonil has direct effects on insect larval mortality and sub-lethal effects on insect reproduction. Measuring the toxicity of agrochemicals on non-target organisms is an essential challenge to implement conservation measures.

History

Table of Contents

1. Introduction -- 2. Materials and methods -- 3. Results -- 4. Discussion -- 5. Supplementary materials -- 6. References

Awarding Institution

Macquarie University

Degree Type

Thesis MRes

Degree

Master of Research

Department, Centre or School

School of Natural Sciences

Year of Award

2024

Principal Supervisor

Fleur Ponton

Additional Supervisor 1

Ajay Narendra

Rights

Copyright: The Author Copyright disclaimer: https://www.mq.edu.au/copyright-disclaimer

Language

English

Extent

62 pages

Former Identifiers

AMIS ID: 353418

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