Comparative analysis of Lantana camara Linn Leaf and Flower extracts on Pupation Site Preference and Developmental Rate in Epileptic Parabss1 Drosophila melanogaster mutant

Abstract

Background: Pupation site selection represents a critical behavioral adaptation in holometabolous insects, directly influencing survival and reproductive success. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have been shown to modulate various aspects of insect behavior and development, thus a study was undertaken to know the effects of Pupation site selection and Developmental rate of Lantana camara aqueous extracts on epileptic mutant para^bss1 Drosophila m. Objective: This study investigated the effects of variable concentrations of (leaf and flower extracts) on Pupation site selection preference and developmental rate in epilpeptic para^bss1 Drosophila m. under controlled laboratory conditions. Methods: Experimental bottles were divided into four distinct spatial regions (R1-R4) to assess pupation site preferences across different treatment groups which include variable Lantana camara aqueous leaf extracts and flower extracts, diseased condition para^bss1, and control treatments of Drosophila m. wild type. Developmental rate studies monitored egg-to-adult development time across all life stages at 22°C using standardized corn flour media mixed with variable extracts. Results: Flower extracts altered pupation site preference; leaf extracts accelerated development. The inverse relationship suggests distinct phytochemical constituents in each extract drive their specialized efficacy. Neither extract was effective across both parameters, reflecting their unique chemical compositions. Conclusions: Plant-derived bioactive compounds significantly influence both pupation site selection and developmental rate in epilpeptic Para^bss1 Drosophila m., with flower extracts demonstrating concentration-dependent efficacy patterns and leaf extracts showing moderate developmental acceleration effects compared to controls.