Effects of gamma radiation on various stages of Red palm Weevil, Rhynchophours ferrugineus F

Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchphorus ferrugineus F. is the most serious pest of young coconut palms in certain endemic areas. The pest infestation is usually detected at a very late stage and under such situations it is difficult to control it by adopting curative chemical methods. The efficacy of release of sterilized males to 1.5 Krad gamma radiation in a 800 ha plot near the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayangulam, Kerala was tested. Samples of the irradiated males in the above field trial, after a lapse of time, when crossed with normal females gave a high percentage of viable eggs. The results of investigations on the effect of gamma radiation on various stages of the pest and F2 progeny are presented in this paper. (author). 7 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab