Gross effects of gamma irradiation on the rice moth, corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera : Gallerinae) treated as pupae

Reciprocal mating of males and females emerged from irradiated and unirradiated late stage pupae of the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton), revealed that males were more radioresistant than females. The number of eggs laid by unirradiated females crossed with irradiated males was significantly reduced at most doses tested (20-50 krad). Fifty krad male treatment gave as many eggs as the control. A dose of 50 krad to pharate adults of both sexes induced 100 percent sterility. Irradiation with does up to 50 krad did not significantly reduce the mating frequency. Treated male showed significant shorter life span than the controls. Longevity of irradiated females was unaffected at 40 and 50 krad dose levels, whereas females treated with 20 and 30 krad showed a significantly shorter life span than the control.1 tab