Effects of radiation on inherited sterility in the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana)

Hadass Steinitz, Adi Sadeh, Adi Kliot, Ally Harari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an alternative, environmentally friendly method for controlling insect pests. In the Lepidoptera, a low dose of gamma irradiation causes inherited sterility (SIT-IS), leading to full sterility in females but only partial sterility in males, which successfully compete with wild males for mates. This study examined the effect of a low radiation dose (150 Gy) on the fitness parameters of male and female Lobesia botrana, a polyphagous and major pest of vineyards found in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. RESULTS: Irradiation of the pupae did not affect their emergence rate, flight ability out of a cylinder, male response to sex pheromone in a field cage or male or female mating success. A major effect of irradiation was observed in the significantly reduced number of irradiated females' offspring reaching pupation, and as a consequence a limited number of F2 offspring. The effect of irradiation on male partial sterility (also called inherited sterility) was reflected in the male-biased sex ratio of F1 offspring of irradiated males, the reduced number of F1 offspring and the very low number of F2 descendants. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of controlling L. botrana using SIT-IS. Adding this method to the arsenal of environmentally friendly tools to control this pest may assist in further reducing the use of insecticides on edible crops.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-31
Number of pages8
JournalPest Management Science
Volume71
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Keywords

  • Control
  • Fecundity
  • Fitness
  • Irradiation
  • Lepidoptera
  • SIT-IS
  • Sterile insect technique

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Insect Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of radiation on inherited sterility in the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this