Inhibition of DNA synthesis in boll weevils (Anthonomus grandis boheman) sterilized by dimilin

When boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, were treated with dimilin (N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N′-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)urea), the biosynthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid was inhibited in the female, but neither ribonucleic acid nor protein synthesis was affected. Treated males showed a difference in effect in lipoprotein synthesis, whereas no significant difference was demonstrated with females. Testicular growth was inhibited in some of the males. Diminishment of sexual function may therefore result in part from inhibition of biosynthesis of DNA by dimilin.