Abstract
Optimal ascorbic acid concentration (1 mM) increased the median (LT 50) and maximum (LT 100) life spans, decreased age-independent susceptibility to death (a 0), reproductive period, number of eggs laid/female but prolonged the post-reproductive period in Callosobruchus maculatus. The activities of respiratory enzymes and the levels of metabolic end-products declined while the activities of antioxygenic enzymes increased. The increased longevity of insects reared on ascorbic acid soaked seeds may be interpreted in terms of conservation of energy by way of decreased reproductive potentiality and the maintenance of a homeostatic balance between pro-oxidant generation and antioxidant defences.
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