Effect of x radiation on olfaction and behavior of codling moths (Laspeyresia pomonella L. ). [Effects of dose, dose rate, and energy level of x rays]

At the present time, genetic control of harmful insects is being performed by means of releasing artificially reproduced and sterilized males. They are sterilized with x- or ..gamma..-rays, and the selected doses lead to satisfactory sterilization but do not induce substantial injuries in systems involved in locomotion of the insects, search for females, and mating. This is not an easy task, particularly with regard to lepidoptera, when radiation in doses of dozens of krad elicits satisfactory lethality of sperm. Such doses have a substantial depressing effect on insects. It is difficult to find sterilization doses, in particular, because of the lack of data on the effects of radiation on insect olfaction, which plays an important role in their reproductive activity. Previously, we used an electrophysiological method to evaluate olfaction of irradiated insects, and we demonstrated the depressing effect of x radiation. It is also known that radiation sterilization depresses insect flight and behavioral reactions to sexual attractants. The existing data are fragmentary and do not provide a complete enough picture of the effects of ionizing radiation on this aspect of vital functions of insects. Thus, we do not know how radiation dose rate and energy affect olfaction. In this work,more » we studied the effect of dosage, dose rate, and effective energy of x rays on olfaction, behavioral reaction to an attractant, and mobility of codling moths. This insect species is the most dangerous pest of orchards, and the method of sterilization by irradiation thereof is currently being intensively developed.« less