Effect of alpha-Tocopherol and Culture Method on Reproduction of Turbatrix aceti

The effect of alpha-tocopherol on the reproductive capacity of the free-living nematode Turbatrix aceti was determined using three different culture methods: mass culture, pair culture. and single culture. Significant differences were observed between control and alpha-tocopherol cultured nematodes for all reproductive parameters measured. The reproductive period started at a significantly earlier time and the length of the reproductive period was significantly longer in alpha-tocopherol cultured nematodes. The average number of offspring was 34 in control cultures as compared to 55 in alpha-tocopherol cultures. The eggs of alpha-tocopherol cultured females showed a more regular outline and uniform distribution of yolk than did eggs from control females.