Effect of gamma - irradiation on egg masses of biomphalaria Alexandria snails

ABSTRACT

Egg masses of sexually mature Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were submitted to high [1-5 kGy] and low [10-100 Gy] doses of gamma- irradiation. Electron microscopic examination of egg masses exposed to high doses revealed complete destruction. On the other hand, light microscopic examination of egg masses exposed to low doses showed partial destruction. Moreover, the hatchability of irradiated eggs and the growth rate of newly-hatched snails were affected with variable degrees depending on the different low doses of gamma- irradiation used