Genetic Correlations among Life History Characters of Adult Females in the Azuki Bean Weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera : Bruchidae)

Abstract

Negative genetic correlation between reproductive effort and longevity has often been assumed when predicting the structure of the genetic equilibrium state of life history evolution. To examine the validity of this assumption, genetic correlations among life history characters of adult females of the azuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) were estimated by sib-analysis. Negative genetic correlations were obtained between fecundity and longevity characters. The most evident negative correlations were between total fecundity and longevity (-0.892). Genetic trade-off seems to exist between fecundity and lifespan characters, supporting the above assumption.