Inherited effects in F-1 progeny of partially sterile male Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Adult male Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), were exposed to substerilizing doses of gamma irradiation: 100, 150, and 200 Gy. Inherited effects in the F-1 progeny of irradiated male parents were examined. Mean developmental time and the percentage mortality of the F-1 progeny, at each examined dose, were higher than that of the control group. Moreover, the sex ratio of the F-1 progeny was skewed in favor of the males. Mean longevity, fecundity, and the percentage fertility of the F-1 progeny were lower than those of their parents and the control group. Mating ability and the frequency of mating of F-1 adults were similar to those of their partially sterile male parents and the control. The genetic basis of the F-1 characteristics has been discussed. The use of substerilizing doses of irradiation could be considered as an important component in a potato tuber moth-control strategy.