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Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Preparing Irradiated and Marked Male Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Release in an Operational Sterile Insect Technique Program
Published on: March 12, 2021
Enhanced mosquito sex separation using NaCl for optimised sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique
Kee Kee Chng1, Jonathan Wee Kent Liew1, Sook Chin Ang1
1Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Accurate separation of sexes is pivotal for the success of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) mosquito control programmes. We present a novel approach utilising a 15% sodium chloride (NaCl) treatment coupled with an automated mechanical separation system to significantly reduce female contamination among released males. Our findings not only demonstrated a 30-fold reduction in female contamination rates but also offer insights into the effects of salinity on mosquito larvae and pupae. This integrated strategy enhances the efficiency of large-scale mosquito production for disease control programmes.
