Development of Isolated Spermducts from Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera) in vitro

Summary

Spermducts from post-diapausing Heliothis virescens pupae developed to enlarged contractile capsules in vitro in the presence of 20-hydroxyecdysone when naturally conjoined to the testes. However, isolated spermducts did not develop in 20HE unless co-cultured with testis sheath or fat body tissue. Aqueous extracts of testis sheath or fat body which had been maintained in 20HE media for 24 hours prior to extraction, promoted similar development in isolated spermducts in vitro.

Keywords:

• Insect reproduction
• ecdysteroid
• genital tract