Batch cultivation of non-transgenic males suitable for SIT programs

Abstract

The field performance of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is improved by sex-sorting and releasing only the sterile males. This can be accomplished by resource-intensive separation of males from females by morphology. Alternatively, sex-ratio biasing genetic constructs can be used to selectively kill one sex without the need for manual or automated sorting, but the resulting genetically engineered (GE) control agents would be subject to additional governmental regulation. Here we describe and demonstrate a method for the batch production of non-GE males that is applicable for sex-selective production of males suitable for genetic biocontrol programs. This method could be applied to generate the heterogametic sex (XY, or WZ) in any organism with chromosomal sex determination. We observed up to 100% sex-selection with batch cultures of more than 103 individuals. Using a stringent transgene detection assay, we demonstrate the potential of mass rearing of transgene free males.