Developmental stability

Developmental stability is defined as the ability of an organism to develop as perfectly symmetrical in given genetic or environmental pressures. Stress factors as extreme temperatures, population density, inbreeding, insecticide, pesticide, herbicide, diet and pathogens can influence developmental stability. In geometric morphometrics, fluctuating asymmetry represent a measure of disturbed developmental stability which occurs as the result of the small random deviations from perfect symmetry in the development of bilaterally symmetrical traits. Hereof, fluctuating asymmetry is used as an indicator of stress impact on the quality of individuals.

 

In cooperation with other researchers from Serbia and across Europe we investigate developmental stability of insects using geometric morphometrics. These results have a significant contribution in applied entomology. Using fluctuating asymmetry we carry out quality control of commercially reared hoverflies by measuring the fitness of individuals, due to potential of increasing population viability over generations. Also, we use this method to quantify the sensitivity of agricultural insect pest to various plant extracts and chemicals that can be potentially used as they suppressors.