Are laboratory-adapted Queensland fruit flies capable of utilising natural sources of nitrogen?
Feeding on sources of nitrogen affects longevity, sexual maturation, oogenesis, and mating performance of Queensland fruit flies (Q-flies). When used in sterile insect technique programs, Q-flies are not provided with dietary nitrogen prior to release, so if they have difficulty in locating and utilising natural sources of nitrogen they will not become sexually active. An enthusiastic, organised, and self-motivated student is sought to study sexual development, sexual performance, and longevity of fertile and sterile Q-flies when provided with natural sources of nitrogen, that will also include biochemical analyses of diets. The results of this project will be applied to improve quality of sterile flies that are released as part of an area-wide integrated pest management program. Does feeding on phenylpropanoids improve male mating success? (Mid-year intake only) Feeding on naturally occurring and artificial phenylpropanoid chemicals has been shown to improve mating performance of male
