The Modification by X-Irradiation of the Life Span of Haploids and Diploids of the Wasp, Habrobracon SP

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Abstract
Haploid males, diploid males and diploid females of the wasp, Habrobracon sp. (an Indian species related to Habrobracon juglandis). show a decrease in adult life-span following exposure to X-rays as larvae-in-cocoons, white pupae or adults. The median life span for nonirradiated adults was 62 days for haploid males and diploid males fed on honey-water, 92 days for diploid females fed on honey-water and 40 days for diploid females fed on larvae of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia. This difference in life-span related to sex, but not to genome number, indicates that the aging process is not due to an accumulation of somatic mutations during adult life. Haploid males exposed as adults to 10,000-50,000 r have a shorter life span than comparable diploid males. Diploid males and diploid females show similar life span decreases relative to their controls. Pupae after exposure to 10,000 and 15,000 r and larvae after exposure to 2000 r equal to controls in post-embryonic survival and in ability to develop into structurally normal adults. These adults, however, show a decrease in life-span. Diploid males resulting from irradiated larvae or pupae show a decrease in life-span that is smaller than comparable haploid males but similar to diploid females. Radiation-induced decrease in life-span is markedly influenced by genome number but not by sex. This indicates that in contrast to the normal aging process, the decrease in life-span by X-rays is due to damage to the genetic material.

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