Effect of gamma radiation on different stages of Indian meal moth <i>Plodia interpunctella</i> Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hübner is one of the most important stored products pests in the world. In this research, the effect of gamma irradiation was studied on different developmental stages of this pest and the doses required to prevent each of these developmental stages was investigated. From the results, required dose to prevent larval emergence from irradiated 1 to 24 h eggs was 400 Gray (Gy), and 400 Gy was required to prevent pupae from 15 days old larvae. Also, the dose of radiation required to prevent adult emergence from irradiated 5 days old pupa was 650 Gy. According to the results, dose of 650 Gy is adequate to control all immature stages of this pest. In addition, the effect of gamma ray was studied on developmental stage period of each irradiated existence stage till adult eclosion. The results revealed that there was a dose-dependent increase in the developmental periods, and the growth index of the adults was significantly decreased with increasing dose of radiation administered to the eggs, larvae and pupae too. It is concluded that irradiation can be used as a safe method to control stored pests.

Key words: Gamma irradiation, prevention dose, developmental period, growth index, Plodia interpunctella.