Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Sterility and Other Quality Parameters of Sterile Male Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Culex quinquefasciatus is a vector of lymphatic filariasis caused by Whuchereria brancofti in Indonesia. Even though sterile insect technique has not been introduced to Indonesia yet, a strong emphasis is being placed on developing effective measures to suppress this vector and to prevent its transmission to another area. The sterile insect technique was widely used in integrated vector management against infectious mosquitoes and, in this paper, quality parameters of irradiated Culex quinquefasciatus were evaluated for possible use of sterile insect technique within the management of this vector. Six sterilizing doses 0 (control) 60; 65; 70; 75 and 80 Gy of gamma radiation were tested against pupae full-grown male of Culex quinquefasciatus. The results showed that fecundity of non-irradiation females mating with irradiated males was decreased by increasing irradiation dose. The decrease in egg hatchability and increase in sterility induced by gamma radiation were found to be positively correlated with the dose level. While adult emergence and egg hatch decreased with increasing dose, no significant differences in adult emergence, age, longevity and female fecundity were found among doses.