Effect of Gamma Radiation on Male Pupae and Adults of Spodoptera Litura (F.) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) Following Pupal Exposure

Abstract

Three-to 5-day-old male pupae were irradiated at 4 to 30 krad with 60Co. Complete sterility was induced in matings of unirradiated females with irradiated males at 8 or more krad. Emergence of normal-appearing males from pupae irradiated at 8 krad estimated to be about 45%. Longevity of adult males irradiated in the pupal stage gradually declined as the radiation dosage was increased. When unirradiated adoult females were paired with irradiated males, longevity of the former was independent of the latter. Pupal sensitivity to gamma radiation differed with age at the time of treatment. When 3-, 5-, and 7-day-old male pupae were irradiated at 4 krad, both the relative proportion of emerged normal-appearing males and the sterile effect were the highest in 5-day-old pupae. © 1974, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.