Amino acids affect feeding and reproduction of Ceratitis capitata

Essential amino acids alter food intake and reproductive parameters in adult Ceratitis capitata. A study identified increased phagostimulation with methionine, arginine, phenylalanine, threonine, and lysine. A mixture of non-essential amino acids also increased consumption.

Researchers evaluated individual amino acid solutions with 7,5% fructose. The trial measured intake over five days. Methionine increased consumption rate by 45,2% compared to the solution with fructose alone. Arginine increased the rate by 38%. Phenylalanine, threonine, and lysine also showed a significant effect.

The study also analyzed egg laying and hatching. Lysine increased egg production by 68,1% compared to fructose. Arginine, methionine, and histidine reduced the likelihood of periods without egg laying. These amino acids promoted greater consistency in reproductive activity.

Hatching responded more strongly to some treatments. Arginine increased the chance of hatching by 18,3 times compared to fructose. Methionine increased this chance by 12,3 times. Phenylalanine and histidine also showed a positive effect. Yeast hydrolysate with fructose, used as a positive control, showed the best overall performance.

The results suggest a possible application in mass rearing for the Sterile Insect Technique. The researchers highlight arginine for its effect on feeding and reproduction. The use of this amino acid as a supplement for sterile males still requires further studies before application in operational programs (doi 10.1111/phen.70063).