The influence of X-rays on reproduction in Pseudeucoila bochei (Hymenoptera Cynipidae), a parasite of Drosophila melanogaster.

The parasitic wasp Pseudeucoila bochei was the subject in experiments designed to detect a reliable method of mutation induction. Radiation doses of 360, 720, 1080, 1440, 1800 and 2160 R were given to pupae 15 or 18 days old or to freshly eclosed male and female wasps. The irradiation did not influence the survival of pupae. Dose-action responses were established and appeared to be dependent on the stage of development of the wasps at the moment of irradiation. The production of sons by virgin females showed that the germ cells of the adults were the most sensitive to irradiation. In contrast, the sperms of the male wasps irradiated as adults were the most resistant. Irradiation of males as pupae with 1880 or 2160 R on the 15th day or as adults led to a high frequency of amle progeny. The elimination of sperm cells from fertilization is discussed. Comparisons with Habrobracon, Nasonia and Drosophila showed that the germ cells of Pseudeucoila are more sensitive to irradiation. In the progeny from irradiated females and males 2 types of mutant were found, with yellow eye colour and with aberrations in the antennae.