Impact of UV-C irradiation on the growth and antioxidant responses in Tribolium castaneum

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of UV-C irradiation on the mortality, reproduction, wing morphology, and antioxidant responses of Tribolium castaneum, an important pest in stored products. Observations made 10 days after irradiation revealed that eggs exposed to 15 min of irradiation exhibited a 100 % mortality. Larvae required 120 min of irradiation to reach a 100 % mortality rate, while pupae exposed for 60 min resulted in a 100 % mortality. However, no significant increase in mortality was observed among adults subjected to different irradiation durations, although their reproductive capacity appeared to be impacted. Morphological analysis revealed wing deformities and abnormal venation in irradiated pupae, associated with the dysregulation of critical wing development genes, including Sob, vg, and Cht-7. Furthermore, UV-C exposure boosted the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), alleviating oxidative stress. These findings highlighted the effects of UV-C irradiation on insect physiology, offering a theoretical basis for its use in sustainable pest management strategies.