Biological effects of gamma radiation on stored product insects. 4 - radiation effects on sex pheromone production and perception by the rust-red flour beetle. Tribolium castaneum (herbst)

Abstract

Irradiation of the rust-red flour beetle, T. castaneum at different doses of gamma radiation considerably affected sex pheromone production by females and perception by males. The production of sex pheromone by virgin females decreased with the increase of radiation doses from 4 to 10 krad., and a dose of 12 krad could almost inhibit pheromone production. Males were more radiosensitive in their response to sex pheromone; and a radiation dose of 8 krad could brought inhibition of male response. Irradiating 5 days old pupae severely affected the sex pheromone production and perception by the resulting adult beetles. The effect was very much evident even at the lowest radiation doses (0.5-1 krad). An almost complete inhibition in pheromone production was reached at a radiation dose of 6 krad; but a dose of 3 krad appeared to be enough to prevent male response.