The effects of controlled atmospheres on adult Drosophila melanogaster meigen : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University

Abstract

A laboratory strain of Drosophila melanogaster 'Oregon Wild Type' was treated with controlled atmospheres containing various proportions of CO₂, 0₂, and N₂ to determine mortality and factors that affected mortality.

The strain exhibited no CO₂ sensitivity caused by the sigma virus. Moribund flies did not generally recovery after CO₂ treatment. Increasing the CO₂ concentration above 40% (2% 0₂, balance N₂) caused no increase in total mortality (dead and moribund flies) after 24 h exposure. Younger flies (1 d) were more tolerant of the controlled atmospheres than older flies (6 and 8 d). As exposure time in CO₂ increased, the time taken to recover from anaesthesia increased.

The responses of D. melanogaster recorded in this study were similar to those obtained in other insect studies dealing with controlled atmospheres.