Effects of γ-Irradiation on Mating Behavior of Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)

One of the most critical factors for implementing the sterile insect technique for the management of tsetse is the production of large quantities of highly competitive sterile males in the field. Several factors may influence the biological quality of sterile males, but optimizing the irradiation protocols to limit unwanted somatic cell damage could improve male performance. This study evaluated the effect of fractionation of gamma radiation doses on the fertility and flight quality of male Glossina palpalis gambiensis. Induced sterility was assessed by mating irradiated males with virgin fertile females. Flight quality was assessed using a standard protocol. The male flies were irradiated as pupae on day 23–27 post larviposition with 110 Gy, either in a single dose or in fractionations of 10 + 100 Gy and 50 + 60 Gy separated by 1-, 2- and 3-day intervals or 55 + 55 Gy separated by 4-, 8-, and 24-hour intervals. All treatments induced more than 90% sterility in females mated with irradiated males, as compared with untreated males. No significant differences were found in emergence rate or flight propensity between fractionated and single radiation doses, nor between the types of fractionations. Overall, the 50(D0) + 60(D1) Gy dose showed slightly higher induced sterility, flight propensity, and survival of males under feeding regime. Dose fractionation resulted in only small improvements with respect to flight propensity and survival, and this should be traded off with the required increase in labor that dose fractionation entails, especially in larger control programs.

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Current Status of Biology–Biotechnic, Agronomic, and Biological Control of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus: A Review

Wakil,

Boukouvala,

Kavallieratos

et al. 2024

Insects

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Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the red palm weevil (RPW), is a concealed voracious pest of different ornamental and economically important palm species, particularly the date palm. It can cause huge losses in ornamental and commercial palm plantations. RPW has spread rapidly from its original distribution in Southeast Asia to date palm-growing countries worldwide. It is now established in more than 50% of date palm-growing countries and 15% of the coconut-growing countries globally. To prevent further expansion of this pest, many countries have implemented strict legislative and quarantine measures surrounding the export of the palms plant genetic resources from RPW-infested countries. This review focuses on the general biology (life history, development), host range, geographical distribution, and management on the basis of biotechnic methods, farming practices, natural enemies, and important microbial control agents.

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Effects of γ-Irradiation on Mating Behavior of Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)

Cited by 4 publications

References 40 publications

Optimal control of red palm weevil model incorporating sterile insect technique, mechanical injection, and pheromone traps

Optimal control of red palm weevil model incorporating sterile insect technique, mechanical injection, and pheromone traps

Radiation dose fractionation and its potential hormetic effects on male Glossina palpalis gambiensis (Diptera: Glossinidae): a comparative study of reproductive and flight quality parameters

Current Status of Biology–Biotechnic, Agronomic, and Biological Control of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus: A Review

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