Some effects of sub-lethal X-irradiation on reproduction and development in two strains of larval Taenia crassiceps

The generation times were determined for two larval strains of Taenia crassiceps. The aberrant strain (ORF) had a generation time (generation TIME = time from inoculation to initial bud production) of 23 days while for the normal (KBS) strain it was 32 days. Exposure to 10,000 R of X-irradiation of ORF larvae resulted in a significant stimulation of reproductive potential. Reproductive potential of first and second generation progeny of the irradiated ORF larvae paralleled that of non-irradiated ORF cysticerci, indicating an ephemeral effect of radiation. Doses of 10,000 R had no apparent reproductive or morphologic effect on KBS larvae.