Studies on the Eradication of Anopheles pharoensis Theobald by the Sterile-Male Technique Using Cobalt-60. I. Biological Effects of Gamma Radiation on the Different Developmental Stages1

Pupae of Anopheles pharoensis Theobald were subjected to Cobalt-60 gamma radiation from 500R to 7000R with 500R increments, to study the biological effects of gamma rays on fitness components. The results indicate clearly that lifetime egg production increased significantly at lower doses (1000R) with no significant effects at doses between 1500 and 2000R, after which a highly significant decline was observed. Percentage of hatchability was greatly affected at all doses, falling below 1% at 5000R, above which it remained constant. Percentages of pupation and emergence, sex ratio, and longevity of adults were not affected by irradiation; irradiated adults live longer than controls, though not significantly so.