Rst(2)LbR animals can encapsulate the eggs of the avirulent (Av) strain but not of the virulent strain (V) of the parasitic wasp L.boulardi. The total haemocyte counts per mm3 (THC) and numbers of lamellocytes in unparasitised Rst(2)LbS and Rst(2)LbR larvae are not significantly different. The THC 6 hours after parasitisation with L.boulardi (either Av or V strains) is significantly higher than in unparasitised controls in both Rst(2)LbS and Rst(2)LbR larvae. The maximum THC is reached earlier (15 hours after parasitisation) in Rst(2)LbR larvae than in Rst(2)LbS larvae (24 hours after parasitisation). THC has decreased by 48 hours after parasitisation in all host-parasitoid strain combinations, but is still significantly higher than in controls. The number of lamellocytes per mm3 is significantly higher in both Rst(2)LbS and Rst(2)LbR larvae after parasitisation with L.boulardi (either Av or V strains) compared to unparasitised controls. The maximum number of lamellocytes is reached at 24 hours after infection in all host-parasitoid strain combinations. The V strain results in the formation of a high percentage of lamellocytes with altered morphology in both Rst(2)LbS and Rst(2)LbR larvae.
Dominantly confers resistance to the hymenopteran parasite L.boulardi.
Rst(2)LbR larvae are resistant to eggs of the parasitoid L.boulardi; an average of 82.6% of L.boulardi eggs deposited are encapsulated by larvae from the Rst(2)LbR strain. The resistant Rst(2)LbR allele is dominant over the susceptible Rst(2)LbS allele.