摘要
The sterile insect technique,which consists of the mass production and release of sterile insects to control populations of pests and disease vectors,has been effectively used for decades.An important component of sterile insect technique field applications is the availability of sex separation systems that reliably and economically eliminate females from mass-reared sterile insect populations destined for field release.Genetic sexing strains are important for the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of insect population control programs,including sterile insect technique.Classical approaches to generate genetic sexing strains,such as irradiation-induced chromosomal translocations,have yielded stable strains for species like the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata.However,significant efforts are needed to establish genetic sexing strains using classical genetic methods,as large-scale random mutagenesis and screening are needed.We introduce here a neoclassical genetic approach,leveraging CRISPR-based gene-editing to target known genes to develop selectable genetic markers,followed by genetic rescue in a male-specific manner to speed up the development of genetic sexing strains and enhance their precision,stability,and adaptability.The integration of molecular tools,genetic markers like the white pupae and temperature-sensitive lethal,and strategies for maintaining genetic stability are discussed.We also review the challenges and opportunities in applying classical,transgenic,and neoclassical genetic approaches to improve genetic sexing strains for pest management.
基金
This study benefited from discussions at meetings for the Coordinated Research Project D44003 on the“Generic approach for the development of genetic sexing strains for SIT applications,”funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)
Research work carried out at the Insect Pest Control Laboratory was supported by the Insect Pest Control Subprogramme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and the US State Department in the frame of the“Enhance Agency’s Capacity to Provide Support to Member States to Control Aedes Mosquitoes as Vectors of Human Pathogens,Particularly Zika Virus,Using Integrated Vector Management Approaches with a Sterile Insect Technique Component”project
Additional funding was provided by the German-Israeli Project Cooperation of the German Research Foundation(SCHE 1833/7-1 and SCHE 1833/7-2 to MFS and PP)
the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program REACT(grant agreement number 101059523 to MFS and PP)
Publication costs for this study were provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency as part of the Coordinated Research Project“Generic approach for the development of genetic sexing strains for SIT applications”。
