Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Longevity and Oviposition of the Codling Moth123

Abstract

The average longevity of adult Laspeyresia pomonella (L.) was extended 2.1-7.3 days when mature pupae of either sex were treated with 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 krad of gamma radiation. The longevity of males treated as adults was unaffected by 25, 35, or 45 krad but was increased 0.8-2.0 days by 30 or 40 krad. The longevity of females treated as adults was unaffected at 25 or 45 krad, but was increased 2.2-6.2 days by a treatment of 30, 35, or 40 krad. The number of eggs deposited by females from treated pupae was not determined, but among females irradiated as adults and allowed to mate with normal males, the number of eggs deposited was significantly reduced. Reductions in numbers of eggs deposited by treated females ranged 2- to 18-fold below that of untreated females mated with untreated males. Among normal adult females allowed to mate with treated males, the effect of treatment on oviposition was not significant.