Genetically engineered insects with sex-selection and genetic incompatibility enable population suppression

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Entomology
• Pest Control

Background:

• Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI) offers a novel approach to reproductive isolation.
• Current pest control methods like Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) have limitations.
• Integrating sex-sorting with EGI can enhance pest suppression strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a proof of concept for a sex-sorting incompatible male system (SSIMS).
• To combine conditional female lethality with EGI in a model insect.
• To evaluate the efficacy of SSIMS for population suppression.

Main Methods:

• Developed a SSIMS line in *Drosophila melanogaster* by integrating tetracycline-controlled female lethality with a *pyramus*-targeting EGI system.
• Assessed the maintenance of both incompatibility and sex-sorting functions.
• Conducted cage experiments to evaluate population suppression effectiveness.
• Tested the reproductive competitiveness of SSIMS males against wild-type males, including sperm competition assays.

Main Results:

• Both EGI-induced incompatibility and sex-sorting functions were robustly maintained in the SSIMS line.
• SSIMS demonstrated effectiveness in suppressing insect populations in controlled cage experiments.
• SSIMS males exhibited competitive reproductive fitness comparable to wild-type males, including successful sperm competition.

Conclusions:

• The developed SSIMS approach provides a viable strategy for targeted pest control.
• Conditional female lethality combined with EGI offers a powerful tool for generating sex-sorted sterile males.
• This technology holds significant potential for environmentally friendly and efficient pest management.