Heliothis virescens: Assimilation and Retention of Radioactivity in Eggs and Larvae from 32P-Treated Adults123

Abstract

Female moths of Heliothis virescens (F.) were fed ³²P (in NaH₂³²PO₄)in a 10% sucrose solution. Incorporation of ³²P was determined in eggs laid on Days 3-14 after treatment of 2- to 3-day-old moths. Larvae from radioactive Eggs retained the ³²P in measurable amounts throughout their development until pupation. Radioactivity levels in the larvae declined at a relatively constant rate during the larval development period. H. virescens eggs and larvae assimilate and retain high levels of radioactivity from ³²P-treated female parent moths. Mean CPM (counts per minute) egg ranged from 2162 to 3191 during a 3- to 14-day period of oviposition after treatment of the moths, and mean CPM/larva ranged from 1045 to 3137 for a similar period of 3-16 days after hatching from radioactive eggs.