Extremely low frequency magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) modifies fitness components and locomotor activity of Drosophila subobscura.
OBJECTIVE
Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are essential ecological factors which may induce changes in many organisms. The aim of this study was to examine the effects in Drosophila subobscura exposed for 48 h to ELF magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) at different developmental stages.


METHODS
Egg-first instar larvae developmental stage of D. subobscura isofemale lines was exposed to ELF magnetic field, and fitness components (developmental time, developmental dynamics, viability and sex ratio) and locomotor activity of three-day-old males and females were monitored. Also, just eclosed D. subobscura isofemale adults were exposed to ELF magnetic field and their locomotor activity was monitored just after.


RESULTS
ELF magnetic field shortens developmental time, increases viability and does not affect sex ratio of D. subobscura. No matter which developmental stage is exposed, ELF magnetic field significantly decreases locomotor activity of adult flies, but after exposure of just eclosed adults observed change lasts longer.


CONCLUSIONS
Applied ELF magnetic field modifies fitness components and locomotor activity of D. subobscura. Observed effects can be attributed to the influence of magnetic field on different stages of development where the hormonal and nervous systems play important role in the control of examined parameters.
University of Belgrade, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences , Belgrade , Serbia.
Danica
D
Dimitrijević
Tatjana
T
Savić
Marko
M
Anđelković
Zlatko
Z
Prolić
Branka
B
Janać
D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000528:radiation effects*