Behaviour and fitness impacts of irradiation-induced sterility in an egg parasitoid and potential implications for their use for insect eradication

Abstract As the increasing globalisation of trade generates an escalating spread arthropod pests, eradication has gained traction as a viable approach to avoiding growing long-term management costs. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) involves releasing sexually sterile insects into wild population and been employed for environmentally friendly eradication. Alternatively, classical biological control (CBC) comprises importation release natural enemies. Although generally used management, evidence suggests synergistic impact could be exerted on pest populations when combined with SIT, potentially improving outcomes. It is possible that parasitoids, which would not bear risk irreversible non-target impacts associated conventional CBC releases, accepted by regulatory agencies safe option component We investigated post-irradiation behaviour fitness egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis determine whether irradiation-induced sterility may reduce its efficacy. In comparing non-sterile there were no observable differences in searching behaviour, significant number masses found parasitised, nor longevity. contribute programme without detrimental effects.