Interaction of age and radiation dosage on hatch of Gibbium psylloides eggs (Coleoptera: ptinidae)

The comparative radiation sensitivity of insect species is important in radiation-control studies because the dosage must be great enough to control the most resistant species present. Such knowledge is needed, especially when grain-disinfestation procedures are involved, because many species may be present in infested grain. Reports of radiosensitivity of single species by different investigators often vary widely. A major cause of this variation is the differences in age of the stage being treated. Often the exact age of the insects used is not mentioned.