Investigating the effect of gamma irradiation on the control of cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne F. (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) for development of Phytosanitary irradiation (PI) treatments

Abstract

World trade of agriculture commodities continue to grow. This will also result in introduction and establishment of exotic pests into new areas where the pests are absent. The phytosanitary irradiation (PI) treatment of food commodity cause uniform penetra tion into the commodity, does not have any risks but helpful in killing and inactivating the contaminating microorganisms, food borne pathogens and insect pests. The technology is worldwide accepted and useful in trade promotion of agriculture commodities for better returns . In the present study, gamma irradiation doses were examined on the susceptibility of different developmental stages of Lasioderma serricorne F. The results showed that there was no larval emergence when 24 hours eggs were treated at 10Gy dose of gamma irradiation . A 100 Gy dose reduced adult emergence in 7 days old ir radiated larvae and F 1 adults were sterile . The 7 days old treated pupae and adults when exposed to a series of irradiation doses, exhibited radio - tolerance and F 1 ♂ and ♀ adults were steril e at 80Gy . The radiation effect on longev ity of each stage also exhibited a dose dependent increase in developmental periods . A dult ’ s growth index decreased with increasing doses of gamma radiation against larvae and pupae. It is concluded that a maximum of 100Gy dose of gamma irradiation may effectively control all developmental stages of L . serricorne and therefore, recommended as PI treatment for L. serricorne control . Being environment friendly, the PI technology will ease farmers to export and sell their products at higher prices in the world market , save their money and spare them from unnecessary use of hazardous pesticides.