Induced Genetic Load in Descendants of Irradiated Greater Wax Moths12

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Persistent detrimental effects on reproduction of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were induced by exposure of 5 or 9 krads of gamma radiation to pharate male pupae. Egg hatch was less than in the control through 6 outcrossed generations. Egg number varied but was generally less in irradiated lines than in the control, and more eggs were produced in some replicates than in the control. Reproduction from outcrossed lines was more adversely affected in generations 1 and 2 by 9 than by 5 krad, but in subsequent generations adult numbers from 5 and 9 krads was respectively 25 and 40% that produced by the control. In generation 3, numbers of adult progeny in outcrossed irradiated lines ranged 2–84% that in the control, but in generation 6, more adults developed from 6 pairs than from the control. Inbred matings of generation 3 produced 11% as many adult male progeny as the control and 1.4% as many females. Inbred matings of generation 6 produced 10% as many male progeny and 4% as many females. Theoretical models for inundative releases calculated on the basis of average reproduction indicate the possibility of good population control and population collapse following some release rates. Theoretical models for inoculative releases calculated on the basis of the wide variation in reproduction indicate that a very few moths would have considerable impact on a population because of mutations that decrease fitness of the pest.