Effect of sublethal doses of gamma radiation on the fecundity, longevity and sterility of adults of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae)

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to study the effect of sublethal doses of gamma radiation (10-100 krad) on fecundity, longevity and sterility of adults of Sitotroga cerealella. The results indicate that fecundity of females decreased as the dosage increased from 10-90 krad. At 100 krad no eggs were deposited. Raising the dose to 100 krad resulted in shortening the longevity to about half the longevity of the untreated moths. When irradiated females mated with similarly irradiated males, a dosage of 20 krad caused 97.17% sterility. A dose of 28 krad induced 96.69% sterility when normal females were mated with irradiated males, while 94.14% sterility resulted when normal males were mated with irradiated females.

Effects of X‐ray irradiation on the fitness of the established invasive pest fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda

“…Female moths have also been observed to be more sensitive to radiation in other lepidopteran insects, such as Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick), Cydia pomonella, and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier). [44][45][46] Similar results for S. frugiperda were confirmed in this study. These results indicate that males are more likely to benefit from mass release in the SIT program.…”

“…Compared with females, irradiated males were better able to complete the reproduction process of mating and laying eggs with normal female moths. Female moths have also been observed to be more sensitive to radiation in other lepidopteran insects, such as Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick), Cydia pomonella , and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) 44–46 . Similar results for S. frugiperda were confirmed in this study.…”