Radiation induced sterility in male potato tuber moth <i>Phthorimaea operculella</i> Zeller (Lep., Gelechiidae)

Abstract

Abstract Newly emerged adult males (0–18h) potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella were irradiated with various doses (5, 10, 15, 25, 35, and 45 Krad) of gamma irradiation. Mating ability and frequency of mating of the males were decreased when they were irradiated with 25 Krad and above, whereas their longevity was not affected by the irradiation. The mean number of eggs per female was decreased at 35 and 45 Krad, and 91% sterility was induced when males were irradiated with a dose of 45 Krad. The competitiveness values of P. operculella males were reduced when they were irradiated with high doses. However, these values were risen when high ratio of irradiated males to normal males was used.