The sterilization process using gamma irradiation is a crucial component in a program using sterile insect technique to control Aedes aegypti. Unfortunately, there is no efficient standard protocol for sterilizing mosquitoes that can produce a high level of sterility while maintaining mating ability and longevity.

Prof. Tjandra Anggraeni, Prof. Intan Ahmad, and colleagues conducted a study to identify the critical factors necessary to develop such a standard protocol. In this study, male Ae. aegypti pupae, as well as adults aged 1 d and 3 d, were irradiated using a Gamma-cell 220 irradiator doses of 0, 20, 40, 60, 70, 80, and 100 Gray (Gy). In addition, male Ae. aegypti in the pupal and adult stage aged 1 d were irradiated at a dose of 70 Gy at various temperatures. Changes in emergence rates, longevity, sterility, and mating competitiveness were recorded for each combination of parameters. This study found that an irradiation dose of 70 Gy at a temperature between 20.00 and 22.30°C administered in the pupal stage induced a high level of sterility (around 98%), while maintaining mating competitiveness and longevity.

Article Citation:
Ernawan B, Anggraeni T, Yusmalinar S, Ahmad I. Investigation of Developmental Stage/Age, Gamma Irradiation Dose, and Temperature in Sterilization of Male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Sterile Insect Technique Program. J Med Entomol. 2022 Jan 12;59(1):320-327.. PMID: 34595516. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjab166

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J Med Entomol cover (Source: https://academic.oup.com/jme/issue/59/1)
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Profile of Prof. Tjandra Anggraeni:
https://sith.itb.ac.id/en/prof-dr-tjandra-anggraeni/

Profile of Prof. Intan Ahmad:
https://sith.itb.ac.id/prof-intan-ahmad/