Pupal age affects efficacy of irradiation on painted apple moth Teia anartoides

Abstract

The sterile insect technique has been deployed in Auckland New Zealand as part of the eradication programme of the Australian painted apple moth (Teia anartoides) Pupal age at irradiation was assessed as a factor potentially affecting both physical fitness (ie wing deformity) and sterility of emerging males Males irradiated by the National Radiation Laboratory at 100 Gy at pupal ages of 2 4 6 and 8 days were emerged and mated with untreated females and their egg production and hatch were assessed Irradiation of pupae of different ages at 100 Gy did not affect the egg production at F1 level but younger pupae were significantly more susceptible to irradiation than older pupae Sterility of F1 increased with decreasing age The optimal age for male irradiation and release was determined to be 6dayold pupae and this recommendation has been followed in the release programme in 2003/04