Microwave Effects on Reproductive Capacity and Genetic Transmission in Drosophila Melanogaster^*

* Manuscript received June 21st, 1971; in revised form December 10th, 1971.

ABSTRACT

In order to assess potential viability and genetic alterations from microwaves, male fruit flies (D. melanogaster) were exposed to 2450 MHz radiation within 24 hours after eclosion. Three separate groups of five flies contained in acrylic capsules were placed at an 18 em target to aperture distance for a 45 minute period with forward powers of 2.1 kW, 2.75 kW, and 3.0 kW, respectively. Immediately post-exposure, each male was mated with two Mulier-S virgin females. Each male was removed every 24 hours and remated with two additional Muller-5 virgtns serially for 15 days. Generation times were observed, and each brood was scored for numbers of males and females on day 17. The generation times were similar for irradiated and controls. The ratio of males to females showed an equivalence among the control, 2.75kW and 3.0 kW groups. There was a significant increase in ratio of males to females in the 2.1 kW group. The Muller-5 cross was carried through an F₂ to evaluate recessive lethal mutagenesis. Ten controls and fifty irradiated F₁ pairs from the total daily broods were randomly mated. The numbers of irradiated “X” chromosome evaluated allowed detection at frequencies >1%. No recessive lethal mutations were found at that level of detection.

Notes

* Manuscript received June 21st, 1971; in revised form December 10th, 1971.