INFLUENCE OF GAMMA RADIATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND FERTILITY OF THE CODLING MOTH, CARPOCAPSA POMONELLA (L.) (LEPIDOPTERA: OLETHREUTIDAE)

Abstract

Exposure of the mature pupa or the newly emerged adult of the codling moth, Carpocapsa pomonella (L.), to 40,000 rads of gamma radiation induced dominant lethality in at least 98% of the sperm without affecting adult emergence, mating behavior, or adult longevity. Higher dosages decreased the frequency of mating. Irradiation of eggs, mature larvae, or young pupae induced dominant lethality in a high percentage of the sperm, but caused prohibitively high mortality and frequently reduced mating. The female was more radiosensitive than the male. In general, sensitivity decreased as development progressed from the egg to the adult stage.