Agragen, a company specializing in gene-edited technology for agriculture, is making strides in the development of precision-guided sterile SWD technology to control Spotted Winged Drosophila. This revolutionary approach involves using sterile males to mate with females, ultimately preventing the hatching of viable eggs and controlling the population of the pest.
According to Agragen’s Chief Commercial Officer Matt Helms, this technology represents a new category of insect control that does not rely on traditional chemicals or genetic materials, making it resistant to developing resistance. Research and Development Director Stephanie Gamins, who has been working on the CRISPR-Cas9 technology in insects since graduate school, explains that the process involves tricking females into thinking they have mated, leading to the failure of egg hatching and ultimately preventing infestations.
Recent field trials conducted in collaboration with the USDA and university researchers have shown promising results, with plans to expand trials to fresh berry and cherry growers soon. If approved for an experimental use permit from the EPA, Agragen’s KNOCKOUT technology could be available for commercial use by 2027.
The potential impact of this precision-guided sterile insect technology on agriculture could be significant, offering farmers a sustainable and effective means of pest control that does not harm the environment or introduce harmful substances into the ecosystem. With ongoing research and trials, Agragen is paving the way for a new era in insect control that prioritizes precision and sustainability.
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