Starvation resistance and nutritional status of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) males is affected by the presence of symbiotic bacteria in their digestive tract.

JUÁREZ, M. L.; RUIZ, M. J; GOANE, L.; MEDINA PEREYRA, P.; CASTRO, F.; PIMPER L. E.; BACHMANN, G. E.; LANZAVECCHIA, S.; CLADERA, J.; FERNÁNDEZ, P.; CONTE C.; BOURTZIS, KOSTAS; TSIAMIS, GEORGE; VERA M. T.; SEGURA, D.

Simposio; 9 REUNIÓN DEL GRUPO DE TRABAJO MOSCAS DE LA FRUTA DEL HEMISFERIO OCCIDENTAL; 2016

Fruit flies have symbiotic bacteria in their digestive tract and the result of theirinteraction can be conditioned by the quality of the diet. In previous studies withthe South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.), we found that theaddition of antibiotics into the diet removes symbiotic bacteria from digestive tractwith a negative impact on male mating success. Here, we evaluate the effect ofantibiotic treatment in different adult diets on starvation resistance and nutritionalstatus of A. fraterculus. Wild and laboratory-reared males were provided withone of two different diets: sugar (S) or sugar + protein (Full), which in turn couldhave or not antibiotics. To evaluate the ability of males to endure starvation,diets were removed from the cages after 10 days and only water was provided.The number of dead males was recorded until all individuals died. To evaluatemales? nutritional reserves, diets were replaced every 48 h until 14 days from adultemergence. Completed that time, males were preserved at -20°C. Protein contentwas determined by Bradford?s method and lipid and carbohydrates (sugar andglycogen) content were determined by Van Handel?s method. Before experimentswe confirmed that the presence of antibiotics had no impact on diet consumption.Starvation resistance was not affected by antibiotic treatment in Full fed males.In S fed males, antibiotics affected survival, positively in laboratory males andnegatively in wild males. Antibiotic treatment did not affect carbohydrates contentin both males origin; but the absence of antibiotic into the diet increased lipid andprotein content in Full fed laboratory males. Our results have practical implicationsfor the Sterile Insect Technique by suggesting that mid-gut bacteria play a role in A.fraterculus nutrition and therefore can contribute to the biological fitness as well asto the sexual performance of these flies.