Evaluating radioprotectors to improve x-ray sterilization techniques for Aedes aegypti males

Sterile Insect Technique has been successfully used to eradicate dipteran insect populations. However, the lack of gentle sterilization methods and other problems has resulted in significant complications when applying SIT to mosquitoes. Irradiating mosquitoes results in high mortality rates and a decrease in competitiveness to wild-type males.  Therefore, new protocols for mosquito sterilization need to be investigated to minimize detrimental effects on the irradiated males.

Several compounds have been described to act as radioprotectors in different model systems for example ethanol in mice, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) in insects. We have investigated the effect of treatment with potential radioprotective compounds on longevity, mating success, and sterilization effectiveness of X-ray sterilized mosquito males.  Our results suggest that radioprotective compounds could become an essential part of mosquito sterilization protocols and improve mosquito sterile insect technique.