Increase in fertility, with repeated mating, of gamma irradiated male codling moths, Laspeyresia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae).

Abstract

Irradiated male codling moths, Laspeyresia pomonella (L.), mated fewer times and induced a poorer ovipositional response in mated females than did nonirradiated males. The fertility of the nonirradiated males was not affected by repeated mating but there was a significant increase in the fertility of consecutive matings of the irradiated males. The transfer of a spermatophore by either type of male did not always result in oviposition, but this malfunction of the male occurred significantly more times in the irradiated series.