Exploratory Studies on Gamma Radiation for the Sterilization of the Boll Weevil

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Journal of Economic Entomology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/55.2.164· OSTI ID:4780578

Davich, T. B.; Lindquist, D. A.

The effect of 2,500- to 10,000-r Co⁶⁰ radiation on Anthonomus grandis adults, pupae, and eggs was determined. Longevity and egg-laying capacity of reproducing weevils were drastically reduced at doses of 5,000 r or higher, whereas egg hatch was greatly reduced at doses as low as 2,500 r. Exposure of virgin males to 10,000 r resulted in transient sterility whereas 15,000 produced permanent sterility. However, these doses resulted in rapid mortality of both sexes. A ratio of 3.8: 1: 1 of sterilized males: normal males: normal females did not affect egg laying or hatch. There appeared to be little, if any, effect of adult boll weevil age on susceptibility to the lethal effects of gamma rays. Emergence of adults from prepupae, young, and old pupae exposed to 10,000 r was eliminated, greatly reduced, and unaffected, respectively. However, the lethal effects carried over because of the adults died within 2 weeks. Exposure of eggs to 600 r did not affect hatch or subsequent development whereas 2,400 r markedly reduced hatch and prevented subsequent development.

• Research Organization: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, College Station, Tex.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-16-032782
• OSTI ID: 4780578
• Journal Information: Journal of Economic Entomology, Journal Name: Journal of Economic Entomology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 55; ISSN 0022-0493
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AGE
COBALT 60
EGGS
GAMMA RADIATION
INSECTS
LETHAL DOSE
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
REPRODUCTION
SEX
STERILIZATION