DISTORTION OF SEX RATIO IN POPULATIONS OFAEDES AEGYPTI

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Abstract
A genetic factor, Distorter, causes abnormal segregation of chromosome 1, resulting in excess recovery of males. Individuals from 13 strains were tested for presence of Distorter; some strains had the factor in high frequency, some lacked Distorter and some were mixed. In an experimental population, Distorter males were released with sensitive females. Following initial distortion (20% [female] in F1-F3), the expression of Distorter was gradually masked in later generations, with the F10-F14 fluctuating around 40% [female]. In another experimental population with continuous breeding and mixed generations, marked distortion (10% [female]) occurred over 43 weeks, followed by extinction of the population. Distortion was achieved by a self-perpetuating factor, since the population cages were undisturbed after the initial release. The possibility of using the Distorter system in mosquito control programs is suggested.