BACKGROUNDThe implementation of sterile insect technique (SIT) has proven effective in the area‐wide suppression of several significant agricultural and sanitary pests by using traditional cobalt‐60 (60Co‐γ) as a radiation source. Recently, X‐ray has been validated as a feasible alternative to 60Co‐γ radiation sources. Nonetheless, higher doses of X‐ray irradiation led to insect sterility but diminish mating competitiveness, thereby impacting the effectiveness of SIT applications.RESULTSIn this study, we assessed the impact of various X‐ray irradiation doses (ranging from 0 to 366 Gy) on the fecundity, fertility, and mating competitiveness of Cydia pomonella, a globally invasive fruit pest. Results demonstrated that the sterility rate of irradiated males increased with dose up to 200 Gy, then stabilized. Exposure to 200 Gy reduced male mating competitiveness, with competitiveness index (CI) values of 0.17 in the laboratory and 0.096 in the orchard. This decline is likely linked to the decreased expression of genes associated with sex pheromones recognition, such as CpomOR3a, CpomOR3b, and CpomOR5, post‐irradiation. Fumigation of linalool at varying concentrations (70, 83, and 96 μL/m3) enhanced mating competitiveness of males, particularly at moderate levels, possibly by restoring pheromones recognition. Implementation of repeated releases of sterilized males on a pilot scale led to a notable reduction in the population of C. pomonella in the field.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that fumigation with plant volatiles has the potential to mitigate male sterility induced by X‐ray irradiation, offering a promising approach to enhance the efficacy of SIT applications for the control of C. pomonella. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

中文翻译：

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芳樟醇熏蒸提高雄配竞争力，以抑制全球果害 Cydia pomonella 的种群


背景事实证明，通过使用传统的钴 60 （60Co-γ） 作为辐射源，昆虫不育技术 （SIT） 的实施可有效抑制多种重要的农业和卫生害虫。最近，X 射线已被验证为 60Co γ 辐射源的可行替代方案。尽管如此，较高剂量的 X 射线照射会导致昆虫不育，但会降低交配竞争力，从而影响 SIT 应用的有效性。结果在本研究中，我们评估了各种 X 射线照射剂量（范围从 0 到 366 Gy）对全球入侵性水果害虫 Cydia pomonella 的繁殖力、生育力和交配竞争力的影响。结果表明，照射雄性不育率随剂量高达 200 Gy 的增加而增加，然后趋于稳定。暴露于 200 Gy 会降低雄配竞争力，实验室的竞争力指数 （CI） 值为 0.17，果园为 0.096。这种下降可能与照射后与性信息素识别相关的基因表达降低有关，例如 CpomOR3a、CpomOR3b 和 CpomOR5。不同浓度 （70、83 和 96 μL/m3） 的芳樟醇熏蒸增强了雄性的交配竞争力，尤其是在中等水平上，可能是通过恢复信息素识别。在试点规模上实施重复释放绝育雄性导致田间 C. pomonella 的数量显着减少。结论这些结果表明，用植物挥发物熏蒸有可能减轻 X 射线照射诱导的雄性不育，为提高 SIT 应用控制波门氏菌的疗效提供了一种有前途的方法。© 2024 化工学会.