Susceptibility of eggs, larvae and pupae of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) to ionizing radiation doses used for sprout inhibition in potatoes

The potential of gamma irradiation to control potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) infestation on stored potatoes was studied at doses, 0.08 kGy to 0.2 kGy, that effectively induce sprout inhibition in potato without producing any undesirable textural and organoleptic changes. Hatchability of eggs was prevented at 0.2 kGy, while pupation was prevented at 0.15 kGy. Treating the eggs and larvae with 0.12 kGy and above prevented adult emergence, whereas those treated with 0.08 kGy produced deformed adults. Irradiation also affected the developmental time. Irradiation of pupae progressively increased the duration of pupal stage and percentage of deformed adults with shorter life span. None of the adults emerged from irradiated pupae laid eggs.