Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2025

Major

Biology (M.S.)

Release Option

Restricted to Georgia Southern

Faculty Mentor

Joshua Gibson

Abstract

Nasonia giraulti and N. vitripennis are two different species of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia. These two species can produce partially viable offspring when crossed in the lab. In this research project, I crossed the two species to compare the number of eggs produced with the number of viable adults. Along with the ratio comparison, I examined how nuclear DNA is affected in these hybrids and why some are more viable than others. This project will help future researchers to determine genes that result in the success of Nasonia hybrids and genes that cause overall mortality in the hybrid offspring. In addition, I obtained research skills that involve genetic crossing, molecular data analysis, and statistical analysis.

Thesis Summary

This crossing protocol was designed to produce F1 hybrid females (N. giraulti mother and N. vitripennis father) and subsequently generate F2 hybrids through controlled backcrossing with N. vitripennis males. By carefully selecting virgin individuals, ensuring proper mating conditions, and managing host exposure in a structured timeline, we maximized the chances of successful hybridization. The isolation of individual females and their hosts further allows for precise monitoring of reproductive output and hybrid development.

The results from this study support the presence of genetic variation at the mortality locus among F₂ hybrid females. While also proving that heterozygous F2 hybrid females with the genotype of VG are more prominent than those with the homozygous allele VV. This visualizes the role of nuclear–mitochondrial interactions in hybrid viability. Future experiments could include measuring ATP production in F2 hybrids of different genotypes and testing for mitochondrial dysfunction.

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