doiSerbia

Control of the wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) by the male sterile technique (MST)

Jafari Reza (Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Borojerd branch, Borojerd, Iran)
Goldasteh Shila (Department of Entomology, Islamic Azad University, Arak branch, Arak, Iran)
Afrogheh Shahram (Department of Foreign Languages, Islamic Azad University, Borojerd branch, Borojerd, Iran)

In this study we examined the control of wax moth using the male sterile technique (MST) with gamma-rays. To determine the safe and effective dosage of gamma-rays capable of sterilizing male pupae of the wax moth, male pupae were exposed to increasing single doses of gamma-rays (250, 300, 350 and 400 Gy). The release ratio of sterile to normal males was also studied in a similar experiment. Treatments included sterile males, normal males and virgin females at the following ratios: 1:1:1, 2:1:1, 3:1:1, 4:1:1 and 5:1:1. Possible parthenogenetic reproduction of this pest was also examined. The results showed that 350 Gy was the most effective dose capable of sterilizing the male pupae of the wax moth. The best release ratio was established at four sterile males, one normal male for each normal female (4:1:1). Also females were incapable of producing offspring without males.

Keywords: Galleria mellonella, male sterile technique