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Thomas Stollenwerk

REACT Stakeholder Meeting in Parma: Innovation, Regulation and the Future of SIT

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.

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REACT Consortium Contributes To Scientific Breakthrough

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.

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Join the survey

The REACT project is developing sustainable strategies to protect European fruit and vegetable production from invasive fruit flies by improving eco-friendly control methods like the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). This survey gathers expert and stakeholder input to shape these solutions and assess their impact.

 

We invite farmers, agricultural experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to take part in a 30–45 minute survey to share your insights on managing invasive fruit fly threats. Your perspective will help shape effective, sustainable pest control strategies for Europe’s agri-food systems.

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