Relative Biological Effectiveness of Fast Neutrons, Gamma Rays, X-Rays on Grasshopper Nymph Ovarioles. (Melanoplus differentialis)

Abstract

In order to destroy every egg in each grasshopper ovariole, with the exception of the most advanced, it was necessary to irradiate the total body with 350 r (200 kr) X-rays, 420 r Co60 gamma rays, or 22.5 rep of fast neutrons. Thus, the relative biological effectiveness of Co60 gamma rays: 200 kv X-rays: fast neutrons, for this specific effect, is 0.1: 1.2: 19. This is correlated with relative specific ionization and linear energy transfer. It is suggested that damage to the grasshopper ovariole could be used as a biological dosimeter for fast neutron doses in the range 10-50 resp.