Abstract
Spiromesifen (Oberon® 240 SC), a pesticide widely used to control pests like mites and whiteflies, was investigated using Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera, Drosophilidae) as a model organism. The compound was applied topically at two concentrations (LC10: 21.45 and LC25: 39.53 μg active ingredient/pupa), on newly molted pupae and assessed on morphometric measurements of ovaries and the progeny of surviving adults. Results showed that spiromesifen inhibited the growth and development of ovaries, reducing at the highest dose (LC25) the number of oocytes, the volume of basal oocytes and ovarian weight. Biochemical analysis revealed that the tested compound reduced the ovarian levels of carbohydrates and glycogen during the sexual maturation. Moreover, fecundity, fertility and number of descendants from parents that survived to the treatment of pupae were significantly reduced. The sex ratio determined indicated a significant decrease in treated series and males seemed more sensitive to spiromesifen than females. Lastly, the compound was found to affect the sexual behavior.
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