After Mosquitos, Moths Are the Next Target For Genetic Engineering

D-brief
By Nathaniel Scharping
May 11, 2017 1:14 AMNov 20, 2019 12:35 AM
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Diamondback moths. (Credit: Oxitec) Though genetically modified crops may steal the spotlight, similarly reprogrammed insects may have just as big an effect on the agricultural industry. Biotechnology company Oxitec is moving forward with plans to develop genetically engineered diamondback moths in an attempt to reduce populations of the invasive crop pest. Their plan is to release males that will pass on a gene preventing female offspring from reaching maturity and reproducing, which they say will eventually eradicate the moths in North America. Tests have so far been positive, although there are still worries about the prospect of releasing genetically modified organisms into the wild.

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