The subgenus Persicargas (Ixodoidea: Argasidae: Argas). 33. Effect of gamma radiation on first nymphal instar A. (P.) arboreus and adult fertility.
Gamma radiation doses higher than 1,000 rads are lethal to first nymphal instar Argas (Persicargas) arboreus. Only 50% of first nymphal instars receiving 1,000 rads reach adulthood but those receiving 100-500 rads survive normally. Males resulting from irradiated first nymphal instars are almost normally fertile. Female germinal cells tolerate higher radiation doses received in the first nymphal instar stage than in the adult stage. Females resulting from first nymphal instars receiving does higher than 100 rads are less fertile (egg number and percent hatch) than normal and produce F1 larvae of lower than normal viability. Progenies of females irradiated as nymphs apparently inherit lethal genes, which may be useful, if irradiated at critical stages, in tick control.
D000818:Animals; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000528:radiation effects; D005720:Gamma Rays; D008297:Male; D009758:Nymph / Q000528:radiation effects; D010058:Oviposition / Q000528:radiation effects; D013987:Ticks / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*