1Radiotracer Lab, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, 680656, Kerala, India
Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, 680656, Kerala, India
*Email: berin.pathrose@kau.in (corresponding author)
Online Published on 23 January, 2023.
Susceptibility of the developmental stages of Callosbruchus maculatus (F.) to gamma radiation was studied by irradiating infested cowpea grains. Irradiation of one-day-old eggs at doses ranging from 16 Gy to 24 Gy resulted in 100% mortality; and mortality was 65.0 and 85.0% in three-day-old eggs and seven-day-old grubs, respectively, at the dose of 24 Gy. A dose of 150 Gy was required to cause 70.0% mortality in ten-day-old grubs. Exposure of four-day-old pupae to gamma radiation (100 Gy and above) completely inhibited adult emergence. 100% mortality of both sexes occurred by the third day at 1500 Gy. However, irradiation at a dose of 24 Gy induced complete sterility in adults of C. maculatus. Adult emergence from infested grain was significantly reduced due to gamma irradiation. Gamma radiation did not alter the protein and carbohydrate contents of irradiated cowpea grains.
Callosobruchus maculatus, Cowpea, Amma radiation, 16-24 Gy, Eggs, Hatchability grubs, Mortality, Adult emergence, Grains, Protein, Carbohydrate, Sterility
