Teratogenic effect of lead acetate on Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata

Abstract

Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata were studied under the effect of lead acetate for 48 hours exposure at larval stages. Since, lead is widely distributed industrial pollutant in the world. It is significant environmental pollutant which contaminates foods, water, soil and air and insect could get easily the influence of such pollutants. Therefore, the teratogenic effects of lead (lead acetate) on external morphology on fruit flies was determined. The effects of lead acetate, in the concentrations of 0.125 mg., 0.25 mg., 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg on Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera zonata, were studied at 48 hours post treatment. It was observed that under the effects of lead abnormalities and malformation were developed in the larvae of flies. Teratomorphic changes were observed as elongated wings, de-shaped wings, elongated and folded legs, change in melanization of larvae, pupae and adults. Some other structural abnormalities of larvae and pupal shape were also observed. Thus, the Diptera flies could present a useful module for the rapid screening of the environmental hazards due to lead contamination, which exerts a definite physiological and morphological effect on Diptera flies. Therefore, in this respect Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera zonzta, could be included in a test system for heavy metals toxicity determination.