Induction of developmental abnormalities was studied after x-irradiation of two-day-old pupae of various "geographic" populations of Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum. Canadian populations were the most sensitive; 21.1% showed the split wing abnormality in T. castaneum, and 37.5% showed this in T. confusum. Kenyan populations were the most resistant. They showed 1.0% abnormalities in T. castaneum and 16.7% in T. confusum. In general, T. castaneum was more resistant than T. confusum with 5.5% and 18.6% split wing abnormalities being produced, respectively. Length of the pupal stage was studied in T. castaneum. The pupal period decreased with increasing age at which larvae pupated. Emerged adults after irradiation had shorter pupal periods than their controls. This finding is contrary to earlier records, by other investigators, on eclosion delay using lower doses of x-irradiation and different pupal ages. Choice of dose, criteria, and consideration of the consequences of the choice of age at exposure are also discussed.

This content is only available as a PDF.
Copyright 1973 Academic Press, Inc.
You do not currently have access to this content.