We have cloned and characterized two types of DNA sequences from the Y chromosome of Ceratitis capitata, the Mediterranean fruit fly. Using PCR amplification, the presence of these sequences can be used to determine whether or not an individual is a male using material obtained from any stage of the life cycle. We have successfully applied these methods using single eggs, larvae and adults. One of the Y chromosome sequences we have identified is a repetitive DNA sequence (Y114) characterized previously. The second is derived from a DNA sequence residing in the ribosomal ITS1 region. In this case, we have determined that the Y chromosome copy of this region harbors a specific restriction site polymorphism not found on the X chromosome copy. Using a combination of PCR amplification and a diagnostic restriction enzyme digest, a definitive determination can be made of whether only X chromosome or both X and Y chromosome specific ITS1 sequences are present in an individual. The ability to identify and collect sex specific material at any stage of the life cycle may have numerous applications in investigations of sex determination and sex differentiation in this species.
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA