Field Evaluation of a Medfly Genetic Sexing Strain in Hawaii

Abstract

As reported in previous IAEA research coordination meetings in Vienna (1985, 1987) and in Crete, Greece (1986, 1988), we have been working with Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)(medfly) genetic sexing strains based upon sexual differences in pupal coloration (Robinson, 1982). One of these strains, Hawaiianized Robinson (RHW), was created through repeated backcrossing of translocation-bearing Robinson males with standard Hawaii mass-production females. This strain has proven itself superior to the pure, imported sexing strain (wp-23) we received from Dr Alan Robinson (IMBB laboratories, Crete, Greece) in a number of important fitness parameters, including: field cage mating competitiveness, field dispersal and longevity, and rearing efficiency. The hybrid sexing strain also has fared well against the standard bisexual laboratory strain (HI LAB) which has been in mass production for ca. 30 years.