Dietary calabash chalk induces decline in reproductive fitness in Harwich strain of Drosophila melanogaste
Calabash chalk, a naturally occurring mineral, is widely consumed by expectant mothers seeking relief from morning sickness. This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of dietary CCH on fecundity, eclosion, and filial generation output in Drosophila melanogaster (Harwich strain). The lethal concentration (LC50) of CCH was determined as 1800 mg per 10 g of standard corn meal diet. The experiment involved five groups: a control group fed a 10 g diet, and four experimental groups fed varying doses of CCH (225 mg, 450 mg, 900 mg, and 1800 mg in 10 g standard corn meal diet) for 30 days. Results revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in fecundity among flies fed 900 mg and 1800 mg CCH compared to the control, alongside decrease in filial generation output and filial fecundity. This suggests that CCH consumption negatively impacts reproductive fitness fecundity and filial output) in D. melanogaster (Harwich strain), suggesting potential harm at high doses and advocating for caution, particularly among women of reproductive age and during pregnancy.
Keywords: Calabash Chalk, Drosophila melanogaster, eclosion, fecundity, filial generation
*Correspondence: abusafiyya2013@gmail.com, 08065638515
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