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U.S. Department of Energy
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Radiation induced changes in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the granary weevil and their relationships to desiccation and adult mortality: Annual progress report, February 15, 1986 to February 14, 1987

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6695671

The effects of gamma-ray irradiation on granary weevil Sitophilus granarius was studied. Cesium-137 was investigated with regard to its effectiveness in insect disinfestation of grains. The cuticular hydrocarbons of treated and control weevils were analyzed by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry (Gc/Ms). The effects of different dose rates and Relative Humidity (RH) conditions on desiccation were studied by determining body weight and moisture loss. Observations on germination of irradiated wheat seeds were made as complementary to the above studies. The weevils of older age group were more sensitive to gamma radiation. With dose-rate exceeding .15 kGy the mortality is higher during 11 to 15 days after irradiation. While at lower dose-rates 0.01 kGy and 0.05 kGy lower age group insect tend to prolong and survive longer. Analysis of epicuticular hydrocarbons of adult Sitophilus granarius showed that hydrocarbons C/sub 25/ to C/sub 33/ were present in significant amount. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of irradiated and control weevils suggests that there was little qualitative but considerable quantitative differences between the hydrocarbon fraction (C/sub 25/ to C/sub 33/) in these two groups. 3 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.

Research Organization:
Selma Univ., AL (USA). Div. of Natural and Applied Sciences
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-86CH10288
OSTI ID:
6695671
Report Number(s):
DOE/CH/10288-4; ON: DE87007590
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English