Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2010) 136, 45-52

Norikuni Kumano, Takashi Kuriwada, Keiko Shiromoto, Dai Haraguchi and Tsuguo Kohama (2010)
Evaluation of partial sterility in mating performance and reproduction of the West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 136 (1), 45-52
Abstract: The sterile insect technique (SIT) is based on population and behavioral ecology and is widely used to suppress or eradicate target pest insect populations. The effectiveness of SIT depends on the ability of the released sterile males to mate with and inseminate wild females. The use of gamma-radiation to induce sterility is, however, associated with negative impacts not only on reproductive cells but also on somatic cells. Consequently, irradiation for sterilization diminishes mating performance over time. In this study, we evaluated the balance between the irradiation dose and both fertility and mating propensity in Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for 22 days following irradiation. The mating propensity of males irradiated with a 150-Gy dose, as currently used to induce complete sterility of E. postfasciatus in the SIT program in Okinawa Prefecture, was equal to that of non-irradiated weevils for up to 6 days, and the mating propensity of males irradiated with a dose of 125 Gy was equal to that of non-irradiated weevils for twice this period (12 days). The fertilization ability of weevils irradiated with a dose of 125 Gy was reduced by 4.6% in males and 0.6% in females, compared to the potential fertilization ability. We also discuss the possibility of the application of partially sterilized insects in eradication programs.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Norikuni Kumano, Takashi Kuriwada

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Euscepes postfasciatus		Japan