Toxic seminal insects

“This technique is close to what is done with insecticides. Similarly, which induce an increase in mortality of individuals of the targeted species,” says Nicolas Rode, researcher in evolutionary genetics at INRAE. Therefore, Developed by Australian scientists. In addition, the so -called toxic male technique consists in genetically modifying male individuals of a species of insect so that they produce toxic proteins in their reproductive system.

These proteins, transferred to females during mating, are poisonous and will kill them. Consequently, The proof of concept of this new biological struggle has appeared in a study published at the beginning of. For example, the year in the journal Nature Communications (1).

Genetically modified males

Research was carried out in the laboratory on the model species Drosophila melanogasterthe fly of vinegar. Similarly, supplemented by simulations on computer. In addition, According to researchers. the median lifespan of females coupled with toxic seminal insects genetically modified males is reduced from 37 to 64 % compared to wild males.

Similar biological control techniques already exist (read the box). The difference in this approach is that the females that cause the damage is directly targeted, instead of their descendants. These results have been announced as a great advance in the fight against harmful insects in the field of health. agriculture, but many uncertainties remain.

“Only part of the work was done,” says Nicolas Rode. It should still be demonstrated that this strategy operates in real conditions. and that males manage to mate with females when they are in competition with wild males on the ground. If all the conditions are met. it will still take about ten years before a first marketing in countries that accept genetically modified insects, such as in Brazil.

Tested on Drosophila melanogasterthe technique would be transferable fairly quickly to other diptera. For example. it toxic seminal insects is envisaged for mosquitoes in a logic of public health, but also for harmful species in agriculture, especially fruit flies. It would also be transferable in other types of insects whose adult females are problematic, such as lepidoptera.

The authors assure that the toxic proteins produced by these insects are without risk for mammals and other animals. An affirmation which would require more in -depth studies according to the researcher of INRAE. in particular on the potential effect for other insects and small invertebrates.

Lena Hespel