The Use of Double Translocation Heterozygotes To Control Populations of the German Cockroach and the Use of Genetic Mechanisms and Behavioral Characteristics To Control Natural Populations of the German Cockroach.

Research under Phase I was direct towards developing and testing double translocation heterozgotes as possible mechanisms for genetic control of the german cockroach. An initial laboratory experiment showed that releasing males carrying a single 2-chromosome translocation retarded but did not suppress population growth. Double translocations impart a higher genetic load. Their potential for suppressing and possbily eliminating infestations is substantially increased by an eggg case sterility effect, embryonic trapping. During Phase II of the research shipboard roach population were studied. Estimates of population growth indicated that free populations developing under essentially optimal conditions would show a 20 to 26-fold increase in a 3-month period. Trapping data showed that peaks of highest density in a thoroughly-trapped area best indicated the location of spot infestations catch close to localized aggregations gave reasonably good indications of relative density traps between spot infestations could not be used for density estimations and that age class frequency in traps was unlike that in nearby infestations. Age class structure of rapidly-growing groups differed from that of groups where harborage availability limited growth. The last three shipboard experiments on the effects of propoxur treatment on populations established in known locations. The relationship between food and water consumption and female reproductive state was also studied. Studies on aggregation pheromone and a less well known dispersal pheromone revealed differences in response with agesex class.