ARS | Publication request: IRRADIATION DISINFESTATION OF DIAPREPES ROOT WEEVIL (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) AND PAPAYA FRUIT FLY (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 13, 2004
Publication Date: September 1, 2004
Citation: Gould, W.P., Hallman, G.J. 2004. Irradiation disinfestation of diaprepes root weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and papaya fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). Florida Entomologist. 87:391-392.

Interpretive Summary: Irradiation quarantine treatments are being used in Florida and elsewhere to ship fresh agricultural commodities across quarantine barriers. The possibilities for further use of irradiation are great. This research examined irradiation of two pests in Florida, the root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus and the papaya fruit fly, Toxotrypana curvicauda. The root weevil was found to be very susceptible to radiosterility; 50 Gy prevented hatching of eggs laid by irradiated adults. Adult emergence from mostly third instar papaya fruit flies in naturally infested papaya fruit was prevented with 150 Gy; this is in line with other fruit flies.

Technical Abstract: Irradiation disinfestation is being used in Florida and elsewhere to overcome biological barriers to trade. More potential exists. This research examined radiosusceptibility of two pests in Florida, the root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus and the papaya fruit fly, Toxotrypana curvicauda. The root weevil was found to be quite susceptible to radiosterility; 50 Gy prevented eclosion of eggs laid by irradiated adults. A dose of 150 Gy prevented adult emergence from mostly third instar papaya fruit flies in naturally infested papaya fruit; lower doses were not tried.