Almond Moth: Gamma Radiation Effects on the Life Stages13

Effects of gamma radiation on life stages of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

“…Similar results were reported by Cogburn et al (1973), when they irradiated 3-day-old almond moth eggs the percentage egg hatch decreased up to 50 krad (500 Gy). In the present study, 51.66% (62/120) of the Ephestia kuehniella eggs treated with 100 Gy successfully developed into adults, but 1% of the almond moth eggs with 10 krad reported by Cogburn et al (1973). Toba and Burditt (1992) found that irradiating codling moth Cydia pomonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), eggs with a dose of 100 Gy completely prevented adult emergence.…”

“…Similar results were obtained by Cogburn et al (1973), when they irradiated almond moth adults, the percentage egg hatch decreased from 80% in the control to 2% or less at dosages of 20 krad or above. Koudelova and Cook (2001) reported that as the treatment dose increased, the volume of sperm transferred by the male decreased, and a dose of 175 Gy was suggested as optimal for the induction of inherited sterility in Ephestia kuehniella.…”

“…At that dose, the number of eggs produced was significantly reduced. Cogburn et al (1973) reported a similar response and when they irradiated almond moth adults, the egg production decreased at the higher doses. Hallman (2000) reported that some stored-product moths, especially the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotraga cerealella (Oliver) and the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hü bner), were among the most tolerant arthropods to radiation.…”

“…Radiosensitivity of females is generally the case in insects (Hallman 2000). Other researchers have also noted that female moths were more sensitive than the males (Proverbs and Newton 1962;Cogburn et al 1973;Al-Taweel et al 1990;Bloem et al 1999). Lepidopteran females are heterogamatic and in most species posses the ZW sex chromosomes, while the males are homogamatic with the ZZ sex chromosomes (Mittwoch 1967).…”

“…Cogburn et al (1973) reported that from the larvae of Cadra cautella treated with 20 krad (200 Gy) no adults were produced. Mansour (2002) also reported that 200 Gy doses were enough to prevent adult emergence from irradiated mature larvae of codling moth Cydia pomonella.…”