Sterile Insect Release to Control Pests

SIR moth release device used in research trials.

Using the Pest to Control the Pest

Many pests of agricultural or human health importance have been eradicated or controlled using the Sterile Insect Release (SIR) approach. These include the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Melon Fly, Pink Bollworm, Oriental Fruit Fly, Tsetse Fly, Boll Weevil, Mexican Fruit Fly, Gypsy Moth, Stable Fly, Horn Fly, Corn Earworm, and Tobacco Hornworm.

The current issue our newsletter discusses the use of SIR to combat Codling moth infestations in commercial apple orchards. To read more visit: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletters.html.

Inside this issue:

• Use of Sterile Insects to Control Pests
• British Columbia's SIR Program
• WSU Research with Selected SIR
• Release Mechanisms
• Differentiating the SIR Moths from Wild Moths 

To view back issues of the newsletter visit our archive: http://pmtp.wsu.edu/newsletter_archive.html.