Abstract:
In this study, effects of different concentrations (25 g/L, 50 g/L and 75 g/L) of three food dyes
(Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine and Pea green) used in food industry and 100 g/L concentration of
several plant extracts, namely (Hypericum perforatum L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.,
Lavandula stoechas L.), stated to have anti-toxic agents in many sources, were investigated on
survival percentage in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (mwh x flr). mwh¬–flr3
cross was used in the experiments. While three-day-old Drosophila larvae were chronically fed
on standard Drosophila instant medium with the food dyes in experimental groups and the food
dyes along with the plant extracts in treatment groups. Feeding ended with pupation of the
surviving larvae. Control group was prepared with distilled water. Survival percentage of
Drosophila females and males in the experimental groups, the treatment groups and control
group were statistically compared by use of Chi-square test. It was observed that all
concentrations of the Tartrazine in the experimental groups decreased the Drosophila
melanogaster’ s male and female individuals life span according to control group, while the
Ponceau 4R and Pea green were not succesful at it. On the other hand, when the survival
percentage of the Drosophila females and males in the treatment groups of Pea green were
compared with the control group, it was seen that all the plant extract had effects to increase
survival rate, while the plant extracts were not effective in the treatment groups of the Ponceau
4R and the Pea green. |
