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Detrimental effects of electron beam irradiation on the cowpea bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus
Author(s) -
Sang Wen,
Speakmon Mickey,
Zhou Lan,
Wang Yu,
Lei Chaoliang,
Pillai Suresh D,
ZhuSalzman Keyan
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4053
Subject(s) - callosobruchus maculatus , biology , toxicology , longevity , pupa , larva , irradiation , reproduction , population , zoology , pest analysis , horticulture , botany , ecology , medicine , genetics , physics , nuclear physics , environmental health
BACKGROUND Electron beam ( eBeam ) irradiation technology is an environmentally friendly, chemical‐free alternative for disinfesting insect pests of stored grains. The underlying hypothesis is that specific doses of eBeam will have defined detrimental effects on the different life stages. We evaluated the effects of eBeam exposure in a range of doses (0.03–0.12 kGy ) on the development of the cowpea bruchid ( Callosobruchus maculatus ) at various stages of its life cycle. RESULTS Differential radiosensitivity was detected during egg development. Early and intermediate stages of eggs never hatched after exposure to a dose of 0.03 kGy , whereas a substantial portion of black‐headed (i.e. late) eggs survived irradiation even at 0.12 kGy . However, further development of the hatched larvae was inhibited. Although midgut protein digestion remained intact, irradiated larvae (0.06 kGy or higher) failed to develop into normal living adults; rather, they died as pupae or abnormally eclosed adults, suggesting a detrimental effect of eBeam on metamorphosis. Emerged irradiated pupae had shorter longevity and were unable to produce any eggs at 0.06 kGy or higher. At this dose range, eggs laid by irradiated adults were not viable. eBeam treatment shortened adult longevity in a dose‐dependent manner. Reciprocal crosses indicated that females were more sensitive to eBeam exposure than their male counterparts. Dissection of the female reproductive system revealed that eBeam treatment prevented formation of oocytes. CONCLUSION eBeam irradiation has very defined effects on cowpea bruchid development and reproduction. A dose of 0.06 kGy could successfully impede cowpea burchid population expansion. This information can be exploited for post‐harvest insect control of stored grains. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry