Field Notes from South Africa: Learning from a Country at the Frontline of Fruit Fly Management

South Africa plays a key role in the EU-funded REACT project, serving both as a testing ground and a model for managing invasive fruit flies. With regions facing different levels of infestation by Bactrocera dorsalis, the country offers vital insights into containment and eradication strategies. REACT develops the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly approach that suppresses pest populations through sterile male releases. Beyond technology, the project focuses on economic and social acceptance, involving farmers and industry stakeholders through workshops led by Citrus Research International. Lessons learned in South Africa will shape fruit fly management across Europe, showing how science and practice can unite against a global agricultural threat.

New study calls for an “OFF-season shift” in fruit fly management

A new study by Lux, Sciarretta, and Papadopoulos challenges the traditional logic of Integrated Pest Management for tropical fruit flies. Using simulations across Italy, the researchers show that Mediterranean fruit fly populations expand unseen long before monitoring traps detect them. By the time control measures begin, it’s already too late for biological methods to work effectively. The authors call for an “OFF-season shift” — targeting the few overwintering flies before they trigger population booms. This preventive approach could sharply reduce fruit infestation and pesticide use across Europe.

REACT Engages Media in Naousa to Showcase Localised SIT Strategy

In early September 2025, REACT hosted international journalists in Naousa, Greece, to showcase its localized Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) strategy against invasive Mediterranean fruit flies. Through hands-on demonstrations—from small-scale rearing to molecular diagnostics—the event highlighted how SIT can be adapted to Europe’s diverse fruit-growing regions. Led by experts from the Universities of Thessaly, Giessen, and Patras, the visit generated strong media coverage across Europe, positioning REACT as a model for integrating plant-health innovation with proactive science communication.

A Genetic Milestone for Pest Control: New Insights into Temperature-Sensitive Lethality in Medfly

A groundbreaking study by Aumann et al. (2025) reveals the genetic foundation of temperature-sensitive lethality (tsl) in the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), a key trait in the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for pest control. By identifying a single-point mutation in the Lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) gene through genome analysis and CRISPR/Cas9 editing, researchers replicated and reversed the tsl effect. These findings open the door to applying tsl-based genetic sexing in other pest species, offering a sustainable, DNA-neutral approach to species-specific population control.

A New Tool for Precision Pest Control: Functional validation of a minimal white pupae gene construct in the Mediterranean fruit fly

In this study, we designed and validated a minimal version of the white pupae gene (mini-wp), which restores wild-type pupal colour in Medfly mutants. The construct was effective across various genomic insertion sites, even on the X chromosome, and supports the development of neo-classical Genetic Sexing Strains (GSS) for enhanced Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programmes.
This new tool could help to expand the SIT to more pest species, making mass-rearing and male-only releases more precise and efficient.

Why the Fight Against Invasive Pests Matters — and Needs You

Explore the looming threat of invasive fruit flies in Europe and learn how the EU-funded REACT project investigates the Sterile Insect Technique, socio-economic costs, and sustainable pest management. Share your perspective in the Europe-wide survey.

New Study Enhances Local Planning for Sterile Insect Technique

A new open-access study, supported by the REACT Horizon Europe project, introduces an advanced decision-support system for fine-scale planning of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) against Mediterranean fruit flies. By enhancing the PESTonFARM model, researchers Slawomir A. Lux and Marco Colacci enable localized simulations using real-world data from Greece. Their findings show how topography, fruit distribution, and release methods affect SIT success—offering critical guidance for pest control in complex agricultural landscapes.

Exploring Metabolomics for One Health: REACT Highlights from the Metabolomics Academy

The Metabolomics Academy, hosted by CNR’s Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, offered a deep dive into metabolomics through a One Health lens. Among the highlights was Marcella Bonanomi’s presentation on the REACT project, detailing metabolite extraction techniques in tephritid fruit flies and their implications for pest control via the Sterile Insect Technique. The event fostered dialogue between emerging scientists and seasoned researchers, reinforcing the role of metabolomics in addressing interconnected health challenges.

CRISPR-based Breakthrough: A New Self-Limiting Genetic Tool to Control the Mediterranean Fruit Fly

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking genetic tool to control Mediterranean fruit fly populations using a CRISPR-based system that converts females into sterile males or intersexes. This self-limiting method offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative to traditional pest control techniques.

Engineering Precision: Genetic Innovation Boosts Fruit Fly SIT Efficiency

In the face of mounting agricultural threats from climate change and invasive pests, scientists are advancing pest control with precision genetic engineering. A recent review by REACT researchers in Insect Science showcases breakthrough innovations enhancing the sterile insect technique (SIT), a method known for eco-friendly pest suppression. From CRISPR/Cas9-driven systems and fluorescent sex-sorting to gene drives and tetracycline-repressible lethality, these tools offer scalable, targeted alternatives to traditional SIT methods. This research marks a significant leap toward sustainable, high-efficiency pest management strategies.

React Insect

Mathias Doblhammer

Field Notes from South Africa: Learning from a Country at the Frontline of Fruit Fly Management

New study calls for an “OFF-season shift” in fruit fly management

REACT Engages Media in Naousa to Showcase Localised SIT Strategy

A Genetic Milestone for Pest Control: New Insights into Temperature-Sensitive Lethality in Medfly

A New Tool for Precision Pest Control: Functional validation of a minimal white pupae gene construct in the Mediterranean fruit fly

Why the Fight Against Invasive Pests Matters — and Needs You

New Study Enhances Local Planning for Sterile Insect Technique

Exploring Metabolomics for One Health: REACT Highlights from the Metabolomics Academy

CRISPR-based Breakthrough: A New Self-Limiting Genetic Tool to Control the Mediterranean Fruit Fly

Engineering Precision: Genetic Innovation Boosts Fruit Fly SIT Efficiency

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