Crop protection: new phase with GMO insects

Researchers state that a new phase of crop protection has arrived. The researchers report that the first trials with genetically modified pest insects in the open field were successful.

Cornell University researchers have developed a new breed of diamondback moth, an important pest of cabbage crops, through genetic modification. Through the genetic adaptations a pest can be tackled.

This is done by releasing male genetically modified cabbage moths. They then mate with the females of the pest moths. The offspring die due to a genetic modification. This allows a pest to be controlled precisely. The technique is similar to the Sterile Insect Technique of the Green Fly, but with that technique the insects are not genetically modified.

No fear of spreading
Normally, the fear with biological control in the open field is that the controlling insects in the environment will cause adverse effects. However, because the offspring of the genetically modified diamondback moths do not survive, that fear is not necessary in this case, so say the researchers† According to them, the modified pest insects disappear within a few generations.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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