Sperm Storage and Use Following Multiple Insemination in Encouraging Insights for the Sterile Insect Technique.

The key to success in the application of the sterile insect technique (SIT) relies on the ability of released, sterile males to outcompete their fertile wild male counterparts to mate with wild females. However, many insect species exhibit multiple-mating behavior, which can be a way for females to select paternity for their progeny. This study aims to recognize the consequences of potential double-matings during an SIT program and to detect any evidence of sperm selection favoring sperm from fertile mates.

Upscaling irradiation protocols of Aedes albopictus pupae within an SIT program in Reunion Island.

The implementation of the sterile insect technique against Aedes albopictus relies on many parameters, in particular on the success of the sterilization of males to be released into the target area in overflooding numbers to mate with wild females. Achieving consistent sterility levels requires efficient and standardized irradiation protocols. Here, we assessed the effects of exposure environment, density of pupae, irradiation dose, quantity of water and location in the canister on the induced sterility of male pupae.

Effects of radiation on the fitness, sterility and arbovirus susceptibility of a Wolbachia-free Aedes albopictus strain for use in the sterile insect technique.

Background: The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a green and species-specific insect pest control technique that suppresses target populations by releasing factory-reared, radiosterilized males into the wild. Once released, it is important to be able to distinguish the released males from the wild males for monitoring purposes. Several methods to mark the sterile males exist.

Suitability of Raycell MK2 Blood X-ray Irradiator for the Use in the Sterile Insect Technique: Dose Response in Fruit Flies, Tsetse Flies and Mosquitoes.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is based on the inundatory field release of a target pest following their reproductive sterilization via exposure to radiation. Until recently, gamma irradiation from isotopic sources has been the most widely used in SIT programs. As isotopic sources are becoming increasingly expensive, especially for small programs, and regulations surrounding their procurement and shipment increasingly strict, irradiation capacity is one of the limiting factors in smaller or newly developing SIT projects.

Life-history traits of a fluorescent Anopheles arabiensis genetic sexing strain introgressed into South African genomic background.

Background: South Africa has set a mandate to eliminate local malaria transmission by 2023. In pursuit of this objective a Sterile Insect Technique programme targeting the main vector Anopheles arabiensis is currently under development. Significant progress has been made towards operationalizing the technology.

Radiation dose-rate is a neglected critical parameter in dose-response of insects.

Reproductive sterility is the basis of the sterile insect technique (SIT) and essential for its success in the field. Numerous factors that influence dose-response in insects have been identified. However, historically the radiation dose administered has been considered a constant.

Characterization and dose-mapping of an X-ray blood irradiator to assess application potential for the sterile insect technique (SIT).

Self-contained gamma irradiators have been extensively used to reproductively sterilize insects for the sterile insect technique (SIT). More recently, the use of X-ray generators has gained attention due to the reduced investment, logistic, regulatory and safety requirements involved in the procurement, transport and operation of these machines compared with gamma irradiators. In this study, we evaluated a commercially available, "off-the-shelf" X-ray blood irradiator and found it suitable for insect irradiation in the frame of the SIT.

The Insect Pest Control Laboratory of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme: Ten Years (2010-2020) of Research and Development, Achievements and Challenges in Support of the Sterile Insect Technique.

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre (formerly called Division) of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture was established in 1964 and its accompanying laboratories in 1961. One of its subprograms deals with insect pest control, and has the mandate to develop and implement the sterile insect technique (SIT) for selected key insect pests, with the goal of reducing the use of insecticides, reducing animal and crop losses, protecting the environment, facilitating international trade in agricultural commodities and improving human health. Since its inception, the Insect Pest Control Laboratory (IPCL) (formerly named Entomology Unit) has been implementing research in relation to the development of the SIT package for insect pests of crops, livestock and human health.

Quantification and Impact of Cold Storage and Heat Exposure on Mass Rearing Program of (Diptera:Tephritidae) Genetic Sexing Strain.

Cold storage and heat exposure are crucial components of tephritid fruit fly mass-rearing programs, as they influence the development and fitness traits of produced flies. This work investigated the effects of cold storage on the pupal developmental parameters and quality of (Hendel) genetic sexing strain (GSS) adults. Furthermore, the impact of short-term thermal exposure on the fecundity of (GSS) that also underwent pupal cold storage was examined.

High sensitivity of one-step real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR to detect low virus titers in large mosquito pools.

Background: Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals in the world. Their ability to carry and spread diseases to humans causes millions of deaths every year. Due to the lack of efficient vaccines, the control of mosquito-borne diseases primarily relies on the management of the vector.

Toward implementation of combined incompatible and sterile insect techniques for mosquito control: Optimized chilling conditions for handling Aedes albopictus male adults prior to release.

Combined incompatible and sterile insect technique (IIT-SIT) has been considered to be an effective and safe approach to control mosquito populations. Immobilization of male adults by chilling is a crucial process required for the packing, transportation and release of the mosquitoes during the implementation of IIT-SIT for mosquito control. In this study, effects of chilling on the Aedes albopictus males with triple Wolbachia infections (HC line), a powerful weapon to fight against the wild type Ae.

Aedes aegypti larval development and pupal production in the FAO/IAEA mass-rearing rack and factors influencing sex sorting efficiency.

The production of a large number of mosquitoes of high biological qualities and reliable sex sorting before release are key challenges when applying the sterile insect technique as part of an area-wide integrated pest management approach. There is a need to fully evaluate the production capacity of the equipment developed in order to plan and maintain a daily production level for large-scale operational release activities. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of the FAO/IAEA larval rearing unit for Aedes aegypti and the subsequent female contamination rate after sex sorting with a Fay-Morlan glass separator.

Demonstration of resistance to satyrization behavior in Aedes aegypti from La Réunion island.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are competent vectors of arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya viruses which co-exist in some areas, including La Réunion island, Indian Ocean. A type of reproductive interference called satyrization has been described in sympatric species where dominant species mating fails to produce hybrids and thus reduces the fitness and tends to control the spread of the other species. Here, we investigated satyrization in laboratory experiments to provide insights on the potential impact on Ae.

Phased Conditional Approach for Mosquito Management Using Sterile Insect Technique.

Mosquito-borne diseases represent a major threat to humankind. Recently, the incidence of malaria has stopped decreasing while that of dengue is increasing exponentially. Alternative mosquito-control methods are urgently needed.