North Central IPM Center

Webinar Recording: Genetic Biocontrol of New World Screwworm and Spotted Wing Drosophila

Used to suppress the New World screwworm (NWS) in the USA, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) involves releasing mass-reared, radiation-sterilized insects into a targeted area. Because females that mate with sterile males produce no offspring, the pest population naturally declines.

To maximize efficiency, researchers have developed methods to mass-produce only sterile males for both NWS and the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). This work highlights these advancements and explores future gene drive technologies, which offer even more precise and powerful tools for long-term pest management.

Fluorescent imaging of a New World screwworm fly. Photo courtesy of NC State.
Female New World screwworm blowfly showing red inflorescence. Photo by Carolina Concha.

PresenterProfile picture of Dr. Max Scott, a professor at North Carolina State University.

Max Scott

Professor, North Carolina State University

Dr. Max Scott works on developing genetic systems for controlling insect pests. His team has developed technologies for genetic manipulation and gene editing for several insect species to facilitate this work.