Male age, host effects and the weak expression or non-expression of cytoplasmic incompatibility in Drosophila strains infected by maternally transmitted Wolbachia

摘要: In Drosophila melanogaster, the maternally inherited endocellular microbe Wolbachia causes cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in crosses between infected males and uninfected females. CI results a reduction number of eggs that hatch. The level expression this species has been reported as varying from partial (a few fail to hatch) nonexistent (all hatch). We show male age host large impact on exhibited explains much variability. Strong is apparent when young are used crosses. declines rapidly with age, particularly repeatedly mated. Canton S line was previously not causing does fact induce crosses, albeit at weaker than other D. melanogaster strains. strain differences due background effects rather These highlight importance undertaking range ages nuclear backgrounds before ascribing particular phenotypes