Abstract:[Aim] The red palm weevil (Rhyncophorus ferrugineus) is a pest and bears potential risks in China. Sterility irradiation technology is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to insecticides in order to control this pest. In this study, the irradiation dosage of two irradiation treatments on R. ferrugineus was tested and provided a foundation for the practical application of this technology to control R. ferrugineus. [Method] The effects were evaluated of 60Coγ-ray and electron beam radiation at different dosages on R. ferrugineus longevity, egg production, and egg hatching. [Result] The lifespan, egg production, and number of hatched eggs of R. ferrugineus decreased with increasing dosage of the two types of radiation. Electron beam dosages of 100, 150, 200, and 250 Gy and 60Coγ-ray radiation dosages of 100, 140, and 180 Gy, no eggs hatched. When the ratio of females to normal males to irradiated males was 1∶1∶6, 60Coγ-ray at 100 Gy showed higher control efficiency, and only 2.44% of the eggs hatched. [Conclusion] 60Coγ-ray at 100 Gy is recommended for further testing as a future practical application.
