Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie (1999) 123, 513-517

G. Saour and H. Makee (1999)
Effect of gamma irradiation on sperm utilization in twice-mated female Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lep., Gelechiidae)
Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie 123 (9), 513-517
Abstract: The effects of the second mating on fecundity and fertility of potato tuber moth (PTM) Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), when females were mated with 450 Gy-irradiated and normal males or vice versa, were studied. The percentage of eggs fertilized by sperm of the second mating (P₂ value) was 0.99, indicating that sperm transferred during the last mating were predominantly utilized in egg fertilization. Females, mated first with irradiated males, remated after 2 days, whereas those mated with normal males, remated after 3.3 days. Fecundity of twice-mated females was higher than those mated only once. Females started to lay their eggs 1.9 days after the first mating, regardless of the type of male. However, virgin females did not lay eggs at all. Duration of copulation varied from 102 to 117 min for normal and irradiated males, respectively. The present study elucidated important aspects of mating behaviour of PTM which could improve the efficiency of its control by the sterile insect technique.
(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): George Saour, Hayat Makee

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Phthorimaea operculella		Syria