Anopheles stephensi: Effect of Gamma-Radiation and Chemosterilants on the Fertility and Fitness of Males for Sterile Male Releases13

Abstract

Irradiation of Anopheles stephensi Liston male pupae with 8 krad induced 97.2% male sterility. Higher irradiation of 12 krad resulted in ca. 2% increase of sterility (99.1%) with reduced fitness of males for mating and survival. Four krad irradiation of females resulted in inhibited egg production and at 7 krad there was complete failure of females to lay eggs. Thiotepa was not effective in the sterilization of mosquitoes at the pupal stage. Dipping mosquito pupae in 1% P, P-bis (1-aziridinyl)-N-methylphosphinothioic amide for 2 h induced 100% sterility in both sexes. Chemosterilized males were permanently sterile and comparable in quality (mating competitiveness, mating ability, and survival) with untreated males.