Gamma radiation-induced DNA damage in adults of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Using comet assay DNA damage in the cells of Hypothenemus hampei adults was assessed following irradiation from a 60Co source at gamma radiation doses 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1600 and 3200 Gy. The survival of exposed adults at different interval of time was assessed for the same doses of radiation. Radiation-induced DNA damage measured by increased strand breaks at higher doses was significantly different from intact cells found in control, where the increase in damage was dose-dependent. The survival of the exposed adults was dose-dependent. Doses of 1600 and 3200 Gy resulted in 100% mortality within 15 days of irradiation. The absence of significant radiation induced changes in DNA damage and survival of adults at lower doses indicates greater tolerance to radiation. The study provides useful information about the radiation sensitivity of H. hampei to develop an effective method for the control of the borer in harvested coffee.