This study evaluated the performance of three packing methods for long distance transport of sterile adult Aedes albopictus males, considering the specific effects of pupal vs. adult irradiation and two compaction methods. The results indicated that while transportation significantly impacted the quality of sterile males, all the three packing methods (IAEA V.1.0, IAEA V.2.0, and CAA) tested under simulated transportation durations of 25-48 h resulted in average mortality rates below 12%, with male escape rates ranging between 30 and 50% after a 24-h recovery period. The transported males were able to survive for about 2 days under stress conditions. Additionally, adult irradiation led to higher male survival and escape rates than pupal irradiation, for both before and after transportation. The study also found that stacked cups were more effective as compaction method than the square plastic boxes, despite having a reduced maximum transport capacity. Providing sterile males with 10% sugar for a 24-h recovery period after transportation, also played a role in enhancing escape rate and survival. Although Ae. albopictus prove to be more sensitive to packaging and shipping procedures compared to Aedes aegypti, this study provides valuable insights for developing and improving handling packing and shipping guidelines.
Keywords: Compaction; Mosquitoes; Packaging; Quality control; Shipment; Sterile insect technique.
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