Effects of ⁶⁰Co Irradiation on Unfed Adults and Engorged Females of the Tick Hyalomma Anatolicum

Summary

Unfed and engorged adults of the cattle tick Hyalomma anatolicum, known to be biological vector of Theileria annulata in India, were exposed to various levels of gamma-radiation from 0–60 000 R, and the effect on engorgement and reproduction was observed. The radiation tolerance limit for unfed adults is 1000 R for engorgement and reproduction. The sterilizing dose for most of the males is 2000 R but the females can tolerate a slightly higher dose. Engorged females have a tolerance limit of 10 000 R for oviposition and 1000 R for larval development. Higher dosages (20 000–60 000 R) have adverse effects on development, completely inhibiting egg-laying at 60 000 R, but these females (60 000 R) live longer (10 weeks) than those irradiated at lower levels.