Irradiation against Spodoptera litura
Studies were conducted in Japan on the efficacy of irradiation against Spodoptera litura (EPPO A1 quarantine pest). Several stages of the insect (eggs, 3rd intar and 5th instar larvae) were irradiated at different doses (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 Gy). Results showed that a dose of 400 Gy inhibited hatching, larval growth and pupal development of S. litura. Although this dose did not always prevent the feeding of 5th instar larvae, no descendants could be obtained. As irradiation at 400 Gy does not cause severe damage to many varieties of cut flowers, the authors felt that irradiation at 400 Gy could be a useful quarantine treatment against S. litura on cut flowers.
Sources
Dohino, T.; Masaki, S.; Takano, T.; Hayashi, T. (1996) Effects of electron beam irradiation of eggs and larvae of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Research Bulletin of the Plant Protection Service Japan, no. 32, 31-37.