Effect of gamma radiation on some biological aspects and ultrastructure of female ovaries of the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of lethal doses of gamma radiation (LD 25 , LD 50 and LD 75) on reproductive potential of females resulted from irradiated pupae, and the latent effect on first generation (F1). In addition, ultrastructure alterations in resulted female ovaries were studied using transmission electron microscope. The numbers of eggs laid were 158.3 and 70.0 eggs/5♀♀♀ at LD 25 and LD 50 , respectively, compared with 536.7 eggs/ 5♀♀ for control, and while no eggs were deposited by females resulted from pupae exposed to LD 75 of gamma radiation. Also, the sterility index recorded 94.0 and 77.7 at LD 25 , and LD 50 , respectively in F1 females. Otherwise, the growth index of F1 larvae and pupae recorded 7.2 and 6.4 at LD 25 and LD 50 , respectively, compared with 8.7 for control. Gamma radiation affected the ultrastructure of resulted female ovaries such as degenera-tion of ovarian sheath, distortion, and irregularities in the outlines of follicular epithelial cells and lysis of oocyte. Also, shrinkage nuclei with the unclear components were observed, as well as dispersion of vacuoles around cytoplasm with irregularity and shrinkage of nurse cells. So, these radiation doses can be used in the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs against Musca domestica.