Journal of Economic Entomology (1997) 90, 1022-1027

Maurizio Calvitti, Camilla Govoni, Mauro Buttarazzi and Ugo Cirio (1997)
Induced sterility in greenhouse whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) treated with gamma radiation
Journal of Economic Entomology 90 (4), 1022-1027
Abstract: A series of experiments have been carried out to establish the optimum dosage required for the radiosterilization of adults of Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to be used for the sterile insect technique. Experimental data have shown that females are more radiosensitive than males at the 50-60 Gy dose range. In fact, full female sterility has been achieved with the dose of 50 ± 5% Gy. Males, treated with this dose, preserved <1% of the capacity to fertilize eggs. They became completely sterile at 60 ± 5% Gy. High levels of mortality (up to 35%) have been found in eggs laid by females mated with irradiated males. This shows that all irradiated males preserved a remarkable sperm transfer capacity and competitiveness resulting in egg fertilization but not in embryo development. The treatment with the 2 tested doses did not affect insect longevity under, laboratory conditions. Considerations regarding the choice of the most appropriate radiosterilizing dose for the autocidal technique are discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Maurizio Calvitti

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.
	Trialeurodes vaporariorum