Australian researchers have developed a novel method for controlling mosquito populations using genetically modified male mosquitoes. The technique involves modifying male mosquitoes to produce toxic semen, which kills females after mating. This approach, known as intragenerational biocontrol, is more effective than traditional methods of genetic control that rely on sterilization and offers a promising solution for reducing disease transmission.
Scientist Sam Beach from Australia's Macquarie University said the method"could work as quickly as pesticides without also harming beneficial species".
"We still need to implement it in mosquitoes and conduct rigorous safety testing to ensure there are no risks to humans or other non-target species," he said. This could be done through so-called"conditional expression" techniques, which use chemicals or other biological triggers to turn specific genes on or off at will.
Current mating-based methods of genetic biocontrol , function by affecting the viability or sex ratio of the offspring of subsequent generations. However, mated females persist in the target area and can continue to cause harm . Intragenerational biocontrol , such as TMT, directly affects the fitness of mated females, thereby rapidly reducing the harm caused by the target population.
Genetic Engineering Mosquito Control Pest Control Biocontrol Disease Transmission
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