Effects of allozyme variation on fitness components in Drosophila melanogaster

We have explored in Drosophila melanogaster the fitness effects of allelic variation at three enzyme loci: α Gdh, Adh, and Acph. Viability and rate of development are studied at two densities, near-optimal and competitive. No genotypic effects could be demonstrated on rate of development at either density or on viability under optimal conditions. Small but significant effects on viability appear under competitive conditions. Fecundity is measured for all nine possible mating combinations between the three female and the three male genotypes at each locus. Female genotype has important fitness consequences; heterosis exists at every locus. Male genotype also contributes to fitness, but without heterosis. There are significant interactions between female and male genotypes, so that the fecundity of a mating combination cannot be determined from the average fitnesses of the female genotype and the male genotype involved. © 1983 Dr W. Junk Publishers