Male moths genetically modified to kill females released in the wild
Male moths genetically modified to kill females released in the wild
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Genetic biocontrol, Moths, Oxitec, Self limiting, Sterile insect technique (SIT)M. Le Page, New Scientist, 2020.
Genetically modified male diamondback moths designed to wipe out pest populations have been released in New York state. The field trial shows that these GM moths, whose female offspring die soon after hatching, could help control this major crop pest.
Oxitec, the British biotechnology company behind the trial, has already carried out field trials of this method for controlling mosquitoes that spread diseases such as dengue. However, the moth field trial is the first for a crop pest, the company says.