Population Suppression by Transmission of Inherited Sterility to Progeny of Irradiated Cabbage Loopers, Trichoplusia Ni

Laboratory population experiments and theoretical calculations are presented that demonstrate effective population suppression by the introduction of partially sterile cabbage loopers into a native population. The use of partially sterile males is advantageous because they are highly competitive with native moths, and since their progeny are sterile provides for population suppression over at least three generations. It is projected, based on experimental results, that 92% control can be obtained for three generations through a single release of partially sterile males. This modification of the sterile-male technique for Lepidoptera could result in control and sizeable savings in cost. Insecticide and other forms of control can be used simultaneously without any effect on the efficiency of the release program.