Effects of Gamma Irradiation Dose-Rate on Sterile Male Aedesaegypti

Aedesaegyptiis the most important vector for dengue, yellowfever and Zika viruses. Considering its medical importance, vector population control program utilizing radiation-basedsterile insect technique ( SIT) is one of the potential methods forpreventing and limiting the dispersal ofthese viruses. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the dose-rates effects of gamma-sterilization on quality parameters of sterile males. Males Ae. aegyptiatthe pupal stage were sterilized by applying70 Gy gamma-rays in varies dose-rates, i.e. 0 ( control), 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500Gy/h utilizingpanoramic irradiator. Adult malesthat emerged from the pupal stage were assessed for their quality parameters, which are the percentage of emergence, longevity, sterility and mating competitiveness. The results herein indicate that there was no major effect of dose-rate on the percentage of emergence, the data showedthat there were no differences betweenirradiated males compared with control. Generally, thelongevity of irradiated males was lower compared to control. The data also demonstrated that longevity was significantly increased atthe dose-rate from 300 to 900Gy/h, then decreased at the dose-rate 900 to 1500 Gy/h. Sterility of irradiated maleswas significantly different compared to control, whilethere was no significantly different at dose rate 300 to 1500 Gy/h. Mating competitiveness ofirradiated males was increased at the dose rate from 300 to 1200 Gy/h, then the value was decreased significantly at the dose rate 1500 Gy/h. The dose-rate effects of gamma-sterilizationwere discussed in the context genetic vector control, in particular, the SIT. The results give information and contribute to better understanding towards gamma-sterilization optimization and quality parameters of sterile male Ae. aegypti on SIT methods.