Delayed mating impacts on the reproductive performance and development of the male testis in Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera:Bruchidae)
Author of the article:YU Hui-Ping；WU Xiao-Long；LI Chun-Xia；LI Zhuo-Li；HONG Huang-Xi；ZHANG Li-Xiang
Author's Workplace：College of Advanced Agriculture and Ecological Environment, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, China；College of Advanced Agriculture and Ecological Environment, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080, China
Key Words：Callosobruchus chinensis (Linnaeus); delayed mating; fecundity; testis; grading of testis development
Abstract：
[Objectives] To explore the effects of delayed mating on Callosobruchus
chinensis. [Methods] Unmated
males aged 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 d were paired with 1-day-old unmated females
under laboratory conditions and the effects of delayed mating on the intrinsic
rate of increase and male testis development were measured. [Results] Delaying the mating of males reduced
female fecundity, shortened the oviposition period but increased adults
longevity. The net population growth rate (R0), innate rate
of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ) of
the delayed mating groups were all lower than those of the control group.
Delaying mating also affected the development of the male reproductive system.
The degeneration of male reproductive organs increased with the number of days
mating was delayed. When mating was delayed for 4 d to 5 d, the degree of
degeneration of the male reproductive system was more evident. [Conclusion] Delaying the mating of male C.
chinensis reduced the reproductive capacity of females. The degree of
degeneration of the male reproductive organs increased with the number of days
by which mating was delayed.