Sterilization of a Libyan Strain of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata Wield.) by Gamma Radiation Part II: Effect on Sexual Competitiveness of

Abstract

The success of Sterile Male Technique for the control of Medfly depends on the viability of released adults. Therefore the effect of radiation on the percentage of adult emergence, flight ability, longevity, sexual ratio, egg hatch percentage, and sexual competitiveness of irradiated males should be studied.

The objective of this work was to Study the effect of different radiation doses on the sexual competitiveness of the irradiated males. Competitiveness value was determined for different gamma ray doses (8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) Krad at different ratios of irradiated males: non-irradiated males: non-irradiated females (1:1, 3:1, 5:1, 7:1 and 9:1).

Results showed that the sexual competitiveness increased as the ratio of irradiated to non-irradiated males increased; while it decreased with the increase of radiation dose.