R. D. Garcia

Effect of Irradiation with 60Co on Transfer and Motility of Sperm and on Mating of the Tobacco Budworm

Adult tobacco budworms, Heliothis virescens (F.), irradiated as pupae within 24 hr of adult eclosion with 20 or 40 krad gamma irradiation were paired singly in all possible combinations. The effects of treatment on the quantity and motility of sperm were generally related to dose. However, the quantity and motility of sperm and mating frequency of irradiated males were affected by 20 or 40 krad at 5 days after adult eclosion but not after 10 days. The mating frequency of irradiated females was not affected by either dose at either time, but fecundity was affected. A dose of 40 krad completely sterilized both sexes; a dose of 20 krad caused 64 and 98% sterility in males and females, respectively. Both doses of irradiation increased longevity of males, but female longevity was increased with 20 krad.