Radiation-induced changes in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the granary weevil and their relationship to desiccation and adult mortality
- Selma Univ., AL (USA). Div. of Natural and Applied Sciences
Radiation from the nuclear waste products, such as Cesium-137, offers a scope and could be used for large scale disinfestation of grain. It is known that 0.15 to 0.20 kGy dose of gamma radiation is sufficient to kill insects in grain and grain products. However, the mode of action (in terms of lethal effects) is not understood. The purpose of this project, therefore, is to study the ways in which gamma radiation causes death in the granary weevil. Sitophilus granarius (L.) is a major and cosmopolitan pest of stored grain all over the world. Radiation damage, in particular the specific effects on the physiology of the insects exposed to radiation has been elucidated. In stored grain insects, conservation of water is a critical factor for their survival. Epicuticular hydrocarbons play an important role in water proofing. The laboratory rearing of the granary weevil was standardized so that large numbers of weevils of known ages could be produced for experimentation. Stock cultures were maintained at 27 {plus minus} 2{degree}C and 65 {plus minus} 5% R.H. Tests with various age groups (adults) and different doses of gamma radiation indicate that lethal effects are both age and dose related. Younger weevils, in general, survive for a longer period after irradiation compared to older weevils. Complete mortality results within about two weeks after exposure to gamma radiation at dose of 0.15 kGy or above. Data on wet and dry weights of the weevils kept at different (low, medium and higher) levels of humidity after irradiation indicate that gamma radiation induces greater water loss leading to desiccation and early death. Low humidity environment (17% R.H.) greatly accelerates lethal effects.
- Research Organization:
- Selma Univ., AL (USA). Div. of Natural and Applied Sciences
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/DP
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-86CH10288
- OSTI ID:
- 5596445
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/CH/10288-T4; ON: DE89015540
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Radiation induced changes in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the granary weevil and their relationships to desiccation and adult mortality: Annual progress report, February 15, 1987 to February 14, 1988
Radiation induced changes in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the granary weevil and their relationships to desiccation and adult mortality: Quarterly report, February 15, 1988-May 15, 1988
Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BEETLES
MORTALITY
EXOSKELETON
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
GAMMA RADIATION
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
GRAIN DISINFESTATION
HUMIDITY
LETHAL IRRADIATION
LIFE SPAN
MODIFICATIONS
PEST CONTROL
POST-IRRADIATION EXAMINATION
PROGRESS REPORT
RADIOINDUCTION
RADIOPRESERVATION
RADIOSENSITIVITY
SURVIVAL TIME
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
WATER REQUIREMENTS
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
BODY
CHROMATOGRAPHY
COLEOPTERA
CONTROL
DISINFESTATION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
ORGANS
PRESERVATION
RADIATIONS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SKELETON
553003* - Agriculture & Food Technology- Pest & Disease Control- (1987-)
560152 - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals