Pest Management Science (2022) 78, 1187-1193

Peter Follett, Lindsey Hamilton, Yaeko Tagami, Lisa Kaluna and Susan Jarvi (2022)
Phytosanitary irradiation using X-rays prevents reproduction in the semi-slug Parmarion martensi (Stylommatophora: Ariophantidae), a host of the human pathogenic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Rhabditida: Angiostrongylidae)
Pest Management Science 78 (3), 1187-1193
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Phytosanitary irradiation is used to control insect pests of quarantine concern on exported fresh horticultural products. Generic irradiation doses of 150 and 400 Gy are approved for tephritid fruit flies and all other insects, respectively. Other invertebrates such as gastropods (snails and slugs) may be classified as quarantine pests and require a disinfestation treatment. Parmarion martensi Simroth (Stylommatophora: Ariophantidae) is a semi-slug quarantine pest sometimes found on fresh sweet potatoes and other fruits and vegetables exported from Hawai'i to the continental USA. Also, P. martensi is a host of the parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Rhabditida: Angiostrongylidae), the causative agent of neuroangiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm disease in humans. We conducted a study to determine if phytosanitary irradiation could control P. martensi and thereby reduce the risk of transmitting A. cantonensis in the USA.
RESULTS
Two-, 12-, and 21-week-old P. martensi were treated with X-ray radiation at a dose of 150 or 400 Gy or left untreated as controls then held in the laboratory for up to 250 days. Survivorship and reproduction were recorded every 2–3 days and individual weights were measured biweekly. Irradiation at 150 and 400 Gy reduced growth and increased the mortality rate compared to untreated controls and prevented reproduction.
CONCLUSION
Phytosanitary irradiation treatment at doses >150 Gy will prevent the establishment of viable populations of P. martensi. The literature on radiation tolerance in gastropods suggests that the internationally approved generic dose for tephritid fruit flies of 150 Gy may be effective against many slug and snail pest species.
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Database assignments for author(s): Peter A. Follett

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
quarantine treatments/regulations/aspects

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Parmarion martensi	Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)	U.S.A. (Hawaii)