Boll Weevil: Ability to Fly Affected by Acetone, Irradiation, and Diflubenzuron

Observations in the field indicated that a large percentage of sterilized Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman were unable to fly from the soil surface to nearby cotton plants. In laboratory tests, dipping in acetone or in an acetone solution of diflubenzuron reduced flight ability by ca. 40%. Irradiation alone did not affect flight, but joint treatment with irradiation plus acetone reduced the number of flights by ca. 72%. Diflubenzuron reduced flight when fed to newly-emerged adults on 4 consecutive days but not when fed on the 4th day only. This delayed dietary treatment with diflubenzuron, combined with irradiation with 10 krad in nitrogen, effectively suppressed female fertility and had a minimal effect on the flight ability and mating capability of males.