Genetic profile of gamma irradiated Locusta migratoria migratorioides: A futuristic eco-friendly control approach

Abstract

The most common species of grasshopper in Africa is called Locusta migratoria migrotaria (L.), and it is thought to pose a severe danger to agriculture worldwide. The Locusta migratoria species developed resistance to insecticides because of overuse, which also polluted the environment. As a result, opportunities to investigate new control strategies appeared. The purpose of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of gamma radiation in eradicating Locusta species and to look into the DNA alterations caused by radiation exposure in both male and female insects. Males and female adults (around one-month-old) received radiation treatments of 10, 20, 30, and 40 Gy. DNA isolation and Start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT-PCR) analysis were done, along with mortality percentage calculations. The death rate increased significantly over time as a result of gamma irradiations resulting in an estimated LD50 value for males and females of 33.94 and 51.55Gy, respectively. According to the SCoT research, the adults' radiation exposure resulted in the disappearance of some bands and the appearance of new additional bands. The similarity index was used to create a dendrogram. It was determined that irradiating the pest may be used as a technique to kill the insect and stop its spread. In addition, it resulted in certain genetic alterations within this species. Conclusions: The control of L. may be suggested by utilizing radiation technology, after further field studies.