Effects of Supernumerary Corpora Allata and Farnesol Compounds on Ovary Development in the Worker Honeybee

Abstract

Summary Implantation into a 4-day worker larva of corpora allata from a queen larva 3 or 4 days old was followed by a reduction in the extent of ovary regression in the prepupal and pupal stages. The average number of ovarioles in adults developing from treated larvae was increased by several times, but no oocytes developed. Corpora allata from a worker larva had no effect on ovary regression. Injection of farnesol or farnesyl methyl ether did not affect the number of ovarioles but did result in the development of oocytes. The prepupal period was lengthened both by supernumerary corpora allata from queen larvae and by farnesol compounds. Results were consistent with a hypothesis of endocrine control of retrogressive changes in the worker reproductive system.