From Random Mutations to Precision Tools: The “Neoclassical” Future of Insect Control

A new “neoclassical” genetic strategy is redefining how Genetic Sexing Strains are built for the Sterile Insect Technique. By integrating CRISPR/Cas9 editing, comparative genomics and targeted gene-rescue systems, researchers demonstrate a faster and more precise path to creating reliable sex-specific markers. This rational, design-driven approach overcomes the limits of traditional random mutagenesis, opening the door to scalable, cross-species GSS development for both agricultural pests and disease-carrying vectors.

White Pupae for Green Fields: How CRISPR Is Transforming Fruit Fly Control

CRISPR gene editing is opening new possibilities for sustainable pest control. A recent study demonstrates how disrupting a single gene—the white pupae (wp) gene—creates visible, stable white-pupae mutants in three major Bactrocera fruit fly species. These mutants make early sex separation easier and more reliable, strengthening the efficiency of Sterile Insect Technique programs. By enabling a cross-species, insecticide-free approach to population suppression, the work marks a significant step toward greener agricultural protection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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From Random Mutations to Precision Tools: The “Neoclassical” Future of Insect Control

White Pupae for Green Fields: How CRISPR Is Transforming Fruit Fly Control

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

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

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

REACT Consortium Contributes To Scientific Breakthrough

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

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