Biochemical patterns of protein in gamma irradiated males of Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)

Abstract

Ceratitis capitata is a destructive notorious pest, characterized by its ability to adapt with the climatic changes, fast spread to various countries and attack numerous cultivars. Recently, sterile male technique proved its effectiveness in controlling C. capitata. Consequently, this study was designed to investigate the impact of gamma radiation doses (50, 70 and 90Gy) on protein profiles and total free amino acids in male C. capitata irradiated as full grown pupae. There was no significant change in total protein content at dose 50 and 70Gy, but it significantly decreased at 90Gy. Total free amino acids were significantly decreased at 50 and 70Gy, although there was a significant elevation at dose 90Gy. In addition, the protein profiles by SDS gel revealed an appearance and disappearance of some protein bands among the different tested samples due to the different gamma radiation doses. Accordingly, it is apparent that gamma radiation affected the protein utilization and degradation of male C. capitata which was more marked at the sterilizing dose 90Gy to ensure the vitality of males used in the sterile male technique.