Effects of UV irradiation on the survival of the red cotton bug, Dysdercus koenigii (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae)

The effects of UV irradiation on the survival of D. koenigii were investigated. Nymphs were irradiated with UV rays (254nm) for 10, 15 and 20 min durations. UV-irradiated nymphs exhibited a significant decrease in survival with increasing exposure time. They showed delayed moulting into adults, which also showed significantly decreased survival. A significant increase in morphological deformities was also recorded in the nymphs as well as their resultant adults. These results show that UV irradiation appears to be a promising agent for controlling the population of cotton stainers.