Combined effects of gamma radiation and Some physical factors on the rate of development of culex pipiens complex(L)

Abstract

The present work deals with the role of some physical factors, applied separately or combined with gamma radiation on the Fj rate of development of Culex pipiens L. when treated in the pupal stage. The results showed no or slight effect of all treatments on incubation period of eggs. Larval duration was increased when parental pupae were exposed to low temperature (10°C), low humidity (31% R.H.) or when any of the factors was combined with gamma radiation (60 Gy). Larval development was stopped at some mating combinations, when gamma radiation followed exposure to partial vacuum (0.1 torr) or low humidity; Pupal duration at most of the treatments was increased. Percent pupation was significantly reduced at all treatments especially when partial vacuum or temperature was combined with gamma radiation when pupation was inhibited at all mating combinations except controls (NCf x NQ). Generally, adult emergence was decreased at all treatments and inhibited when parental pupae were exposed to partial vacuum, low temperature, or low humidity combined with gamma radiation.