Genetic Differences in Malathion Avoidance and Resistance in Drosophila melanogaster12

Abstract

Eight strains of wild-caught melanogaster were tested for their responses to the insecticide malathion. The types of responses tested were behavioral resistance (contact avoidance) and physiological resistance. For both types of responses, significant interstrain differences were detected. Avoidance index values for each strain and sex fell into five significantly different groups. No significant correlation was found between behavioral and physiological responses, indicating that the mechanisms involved are genetically independent of each other.