A study of antibiosis between wind-borne molds and insect larvae from wind-borne eggs

Abstract

1. 1. D. melanogaster eggs are wind borne, and they develop larvae that will prevent, destroy, or retard the growth of certain species of molds on a culture medium. 2. 2. The larvae prevent mold growth on a culture medium if they are present on the medium at the time of exposure in the outside atmosphere. 3. 3. If egg deposits are made in the culture dishes immediately following exposure in the outside atmosphere, mold colonies will develop very slowly. However, they will disappear soon after the larvae make their appearance. 4. 4. The larvae are capable of destroying some mold colonies 4 days old. 5. 5. There are variations in the resisting powers of the different molds studied. Some prevent development of larvae completely. 6. 6. Several of the molds have definite effects on the life span of the mature flies. Some kill the flies as early as the fourth day. 7. 7. The larvae, molds, and larvae-mold growths cause changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration of the medium.