Low energy portable industrial radiography X-ray machine of irradiation of Phthorimaea operculella sterilization

Summary Gamma ray’s irradiation has long widely utilized in medical, industrial and agricultural research and applications. Many countries have approved its use as an effective tool for the sterile insect technique (SIT) within integrated pest management programs. The actual study evaluates the potential of using low-energy portable industrial radiography (LEPIR) X-ray machine (typically employed for nondestructive testing of materials) to sterilize the potato tuber moth (PTM) pupae and adult moths rather than gamma radiation that is routinely used in SIT programs. Our data are consistent with previous finding and reveal clear dose-dependent damaging detrimental effects on key biological parameters of the pest, including adult emergence, longevity, fecundity, fertility and F 1 egg hatchability at a dose of 150 Gy. These findings indicate that LEPIR X-ray machine may serve as a practical and alternative to gamma irradiation in any SIT program targeting the potato tuber moth.