Sterility-inducing effects of antibiotics and Sulphanilamide on the gourd fruitfly, Dacus cucurbitae Coq. (Trypetidae, Diptera)

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to screen the efficacy of four antibiotics and one Sulphanilamide in inducing sterility in the melonfly, Dacus cucurbitae Coq. in three methods of administration. Oxytetracycline (Terramycin) and Sulphanilamide were able to decrease the rate of reproduction, adult longevity and size and weight of the fruitflies. The other chemicals viz., Penicillin, Streptomycin and Ampicillin were not significant in their effects. Of the three methods of administration of the chemicals, adult feeding was found to be more effective than topical and exposure methods. The lowered fecundity of treated flies was correlated significantly with reduced size and weight of the female fruitflies. The adverse effects of both the chemicals were more pronounced in the first generation than in the second generation showing the revival of the insects when the flies were fed with protein hydrolysate and sucrose.