Studies on the application of the sterile-male technique on the tick Hyalomma excavatum

Abstract

A sterile-male technique was studied on the tick Hyalomma excavatum and its applicability was discussed. The adult unfed male Hyalomma excavatum ticks were exposed to gamma irradiation at the dose of 15 Gray (Gy). The effects of irradiation on the male Hyalomma excavatum ticks were evaluated by the fertility performances of the untreated Hyalomma excavatum females which they were paired with. At the dose of 15 Gy, irradiated males were proved to be effective in competing with untreated males. Feeding times were prolonged, engorged weights and egg production were reduced, and egg viability and hatchability were significantly decreased. Since the results are expressive and promising, a sterile male release, in spite of obvious difficulties, could be considered feasible. However, further trials are needed to investigate if the sterility is transmitted from generation to generation without recovery of fertility.