Speaker
Description
The screwworm eradication program is the first example of using ionizing radiation to sterilize insects for pest control. This USDA program resulted in the elimination of the primary screwworm from North America. The program was executed using Cs 137 or Co 60 to sterilize flies. However, there is considerable interest in moving toward eBeam or Xray based methods for sterilizing flies, due to economic and security reasons. We are evaluating the feasibility of eBeam as a replacement for the Co 60 source currently used in Panama to maintain the eradication zone. We will report on similarities and differences in LEEB and HEEB for these purposes, based on gonad development, retrospective biological dosimetry, and life history performance after treatment. We have also simulated the ideal source of eBeam to treat screwworms with the lowest achievable DUR. Results are promising and suggest that eBeam is likely a viable alternative to gamma radiation sources, which can accommodate factory-scale production (i.e. 20 to 100 million a week) of irradiated insects for eradication efforts.
