Abstract: Flight capacity and reproduction potential of Helicoverpa assulta after radiated with 60Co-γ in pupal stage 12-24 hours before emergence, were investigated in the laboratory. The results showed that there were no significant negative impact on the average flight distance and speed of the adults under 150-300Gy, and there were no significant differences in the adult longevity between the moths treated and its control. In comparison with the control moths, the fecundity of treated females decreased drastically. Egg hatching rate of F1 hybridization derived from the radiated females and normal males dropped quickly and down to 1.23% when sterilizing dose was up to 300Gy. The fact that female adult was much more sensitive to radiation than the male did, suggested that the method of releasing both the treated male and female at the same time may be used to control the field population of the pest.

Key words: Helicoverpa assulta, Radiation sterility, Flight capacity, Reproduction potential