Sterilization of the Melon Fly, Dacus cucurbitas COQUILETT, with Gamma Radiation : Effect of Dose on Competitiveness of Irradiated Males

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Relationships between radiation dose and mating competitiveness of gamma irradiated melon fly males were studied using 2 method: Fried''s method and direct counting of normal and irradiated flies in copula under conditions of coexistence of normal females, normal males and irradiated males. In the first method, the mating competitiveness of irradiated males was not reduced significantly with doses from 1-10 kR, but reduced significantly at 30 kR. In the latter method, the mating competitiveness values of males irradiated with 7 and 12 kR were less than unity, but insignificant. At 30 kR, mating competitiveness reduced significantly. The harmful effect of irradiation on mating competitiveness of the melon flies was negligible with a dose of 7 kR, which was used in the eradication project of melon fly from Kume Island [Japan].