Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie (2002) 126, 315-319

G. Saour and H. Makee (2002)
Effects of gamma irradiation used to inhibit potato sprouting on potato tuber moth eggs Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lep., Gelechiidae)
Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie 126 (6), 315-319
Abstract: Different age groups of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller, eggs were exposed to gamma irradiation at incremental doses up to 150 Gy (the upper dose limit allowed for potato sprout inhibition). Young eggs were more likely to be sensitive to gamma irradiation than older eggs and the sensitivity level declined with age of the eggs. The exposure of 3-3.5-day-old eggs to 150 Gy resulted in a 26% increase in the egg incubation period compared with unirradiated eggs. The minimum dose required to prevent 4-4.5-day-old eggs from hatching was 1 kGy. When eggs were exposed to 75 Gy, 9.7% of larvae survived to the adult stage but emerged as deformed moths. At 100 and 125 Gy, 10.2 and 9.6% of larvae pupated, respectively, although no adult eclosion was recorded, whereas at 150 Gy, the larvae remained in mid-instar stage and eventually died. Gamma irradiation doses applied to inhibit potato sprouting could be also considered as a valuable control tool against potato tuber moth infestations.
(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	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)	Syria