Effects of electron beam irradiation on six insect pests in different sections of flower boxes for export

•Electron beam irradiation induced sterility of the insect pests tested.•Reproduction of the treated insects was not inhibited at bottom section of flower boxes.•Optimum doses of electron beam depend on flower types, insect species, and sections in the box.

We explored effects of electron beam irradiation on disinfestation of six floriculture insect pests (Liriomyza trifolii, Spodoptera litura, Myzus persicae, Tetranychus urticae, Bemisia tabaci, and Frankliniella intonsa) placed at top, middle, or bottom section in boxes of roses and chrysanthemums. After irradiation with an electron beam of 200 Gy, eggs of T. urticae, B. tabaci, and F. intonsa were prevented from hatching at every position in the boxes, whereas some eggs of L. trifolii and S. litura hatched at the bottom of the boxes. The pupation and emergence of L. trifolii and S. litura larvae and B. tabaci nymphs were inhibited at every position in the boxes. However, the emergence of T. urticae and M. persicae nymphs was not inhibited, even at the top of the boxes. When pupae were irradiated, the emergence of L. trifolii was inhibited at every section in the boxes, whereas S. litura was not inhibited completely, even at the top section. When adult T. urticae were irradiated, the hatching of the F1 generation was completely inhibited at the middle section in rose boxes but not completely in chrysanthemum boxes. The insect pests that were not inhibited completely at 200 Gy were completely inhibited at 300 Gy, except for T. urticae. Therefore, the doses of electron beam irradiation required might depend on the types of flowers, the species of insect pests, and the insect pest sections within the boxes.

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