Sterile Insect Technique A method of biological insect control, where scientists release lots of sterile male insects to compete with other, non-sterile male insects to mate. The sterile insects do not produce offspring and therefore brings down the population of the next generation insects.

Pros and Cons Pros Cons Non-polluting Eliminates or suppresses the pest population Can help control insect-transmitted diseases Cost-effective Protects areas against invasion/reinvasion Can take a long time Must be conducted over large areas Sterile insects may have trouble competing with wild ones Many areas have such high vector populations that it's inconceivable that genetic control could suppress them Insect population suppression will result in loss of human population immunity to certain diseases, which may increase transmission

Facts: The SIT was invented by Edward F. Kipling The sterile insect technique (SIT) was first developed in the USA and has been used successfully for more than 60 years. Its currently applied on 6 continents There was successful control of a serious outbreak of insects (the screwworm fly)  in 1989, SIT was used to control the population. The sterile insect technique was initiated by E.F. Knipling and R.C. Bushland in the 1930s. The SIT reduces the need for generic pesticides or insecticides that will leave harmful residues on crops. The SIT was invented by Edward F. Kipling

Example: The Mediterranean fruit fly attacks over 250 species of fruits and vegetables. The SIT has been used successfully to sustainable suppress (Argentina, Israel, Spain, South Africa), contain (Australia, Guatemala, Peru), prevent establishment (California, Florida), or even eradicate (Argentina, California, Chile, Florida, Mexico) this pest from entire regions or countries, opening new export markets and bringing about substantial economic and environmental benefits.