Gamma irradiation of Bactrocera minax larvae
Studies have been carried out in China on gamma irradiation as a quarantine treatment against Bactrocera minax (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) in fresh citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis, C. paradisi and C. reticulata). Results showed that mortality rate was positively correlated with the dose. Doses above 50 Gy completely prevented the pupae from developing into adults. Doses required for 50 and 100 % larval mortality were estimated as 2.76 and 87.78 Gy respectively; and for pupae doses were 20.4 and 70 Gy. Tested fruits did not show damage even at doses reaching up to 1200 Gy. The authors recommended a gamma irradiation treatment against B. minax in citrus fruits at 70 Gy.
Sources
Zhao XueQian; Fan JingAn; Xie ChengLun; Qin Zhen; Li Gang; Zhu Jun (1995) [A study of the influence of gamma irradiation (60Co) on the larvae of Tetradacus citri (Chen)].
Journal of Southwest Agricultural University, 17(2), 126-129.