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Published on: August 14, 2017
Wolbachia density and host fitness components in Muscidifurax uniraptor (Hymenoptera: pteromalidae)
E Zchori-Fein1, Y Gottlieb, M Coll
1Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
Abstract:
Intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia are found in a variety of arthropod hosts, where they cause various reproductive disorders. Attempts to study the fitness advantages and disadvantages of carrying these symbionts have yielded contradicting results. Using various doses of the antibiotic rifampicin, we were able to manipulate the density of Wolbachia in the uniparental parasitoid Muscidifurax uniraptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). The effect of different titers of the symbiont on the fecundity, reproductive rate, longevity, survival rate, and sex ratio of the host was measured. The data gathered show that following antibiotic treatments, the percentage of males rises at low doses of rifampicin and then drops again. The total sex ratio of offspring produced by treated mothers was positively correlated with the numbers of Wolbachia found in eggs laid by these females. No significant effects were detected with regard to the other studied fitness components. It is concluded that in M. uniraptor, Wolbachia are not posing any burden on the life history trait studied.
Insights
Wolbachia bacteria manipulation in Muscidifurax uniraptor parasitoids revealed a link between symbiont density and offspring sex ratio. Higher Wolbachia loads correlated with more male offspring, with no other life history impacts observed.
Area of Science:
- * Microbiology: Study of intracellular bacteria Wolbachia.
- * Entomology: Research on arthropod hosts, specifically parasitoid wasps.
Background:
- * Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria prevalent in arthropods, often causing reproductive issues.
- * Previous studies on Wolbachia's fitness effects on hosts have produced conflicting outcomes.
- * Understanding these symbiont-host interactions is crucial for reproductive biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the impact of manipulated Wolbachia density on host fitness in Muscidifurax uniraptor.
- * To determine the relationship between Wolbachia titers and various life history traits, including fecundity, longevity, and sex ratio.
Main Methods:
- * Antibiotic (rifampicin) treatment was used to control Wolbachia density in M. uniraptor.
- * Fitness components such as fecundity, reproductive rate, longevity, survival, and sex ratio were measured.
- * Wolbachia density was quantified in host eggs following treatment.
Main Results:
- * Manipulating Wolbachia density with rifampicin affected the offspring sex ratio in M. uniraptor.
- * A positive correlation was observed between Wolbachia numbers and the proportion of male offspring.
- * No significant effects of Wolbachia density were found on other measured fitness traits.
Conclusions:
- * In the parasitoid M. uniraptor, Wolbachia density influences the offspring sex ratio.
- * The studied life history traits of M. uniraptor are not burdened by the presence of Wolbachia.
- * Wolbachia may play a role in regulating sex determination in certain arthropod hosts.
