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Mass Production of Genetically Modified Aedes aegypti for Field Releases in Brazil
17:41

Mass Production of Genetically Modified Aedes aegypti for Field Releases in Brazil

Published on: January 4, 2014

An inherited male-producing factor in Aedes aegypti

G B CRAIG, W A HICKEY, R C VANDEHEY

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |December 23, 1960
    PubMed

    Insights

    An inherited factor in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes causes more males to be born. This male-determining factor is passed down only from fathers and could be used for mosquito control.

    Area of Science:

    • Genetics
    • Entomology
    • Reproductive Biology

    Background:

    • Certain Aedes aegypti mosquito strains exhibit a skewed male-to-female ratio in offspring.
    • The underlying cause of this sex ratio distortion was previously unknown.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the genetic basis for male predominance in specific Aedes aegypti mosquito populations.
    • To determine the mode of inheritance and transmission of the sex-determining factor.

    Main Methods:

    • Cross-breeding experiments with Aedes aegypti mosquito strains showing skewed sex ratios.
    • Analysis of progeny sex ratios across generations.
    • Assessment of mortality rates in different life stages to rule out differential mortality.

    Main Results:

    • An inherited factor was identified as the cause of male predominance in affected Aedes aegypti strains.
    • This factor is exclusively transmitted through males.
    • Differential mortality was ruled out as the primary cause of the skewed sex ratio in postgametic stages.

    Conclusions:

    • A male-limited inherited factor controls sex determination in certain Aedes aegypti populations.
    • Understanding this factor's transmission is crucial for mosquito population management.
    • Mass release of males carrying this factor presents a potential strategy for controlling Aedes aegypti populations.
    Keywords:
    AEDES

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