Reduced aflatoxin toxicity in hybrid crosses of aflatoxin B1 sensitive and resistant strains of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera)

Toxicity studies on four different wild-type strains of Drosophila melanogaster (Lausanne-S, Canton-S, Florida-9, and Swedish-C) and a hybrid strain produced by intercrossing these four strains are reported. The Lausanne-S and hybrid strains exhibited resistance to aflatoxin B₁ above 0.35 ppm. The resistant strains did show decreasing egg-to-adult viabilities with increasing concentrations of the toxin in the media. No adults eclosed at or above 0.35 ppm in the Canton-S, Florida-9, or Swedish-C strain, all of which we classify as aflatoxin-sensitive. The genetic control of the degree of sensitivity to AFB₁ displayed by a strain is discussed briefly.