Efficiency of Inherited Sterility Technique Against Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) as Affected by Irradiation of Females

Abstract

ABSTRACT The inherited sterility technique (IST) has been suggested as an alternative control method against the most destructive insect of potato, the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella Zeller. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of releasing females exposed to gamma irradiation on the efficiency of IST. The fecundity, fertility, mating success and frequency of matings of P. operculella females were significantly influenced by gamma irradiation. Completely sterile females were obtained when 200 Gy was applied. The efficiency of using irradiated males and females reached a 98 (biological efficiency index) when a 300 Gy dose of gamma irradiation and a ratio of 1 unirradiated ♂:1 unirradiated ♀:10 irradiated ♂:10 irradiated ♀ were used. The effectiveness of the inherited sterility technique would be increased when completely sterile P. operculella females together with partially sterile males were used.