Introducing sterile males to reduce the reproduction rate of insect pests has been only moderately effective until now. Researchers from Jerusalem’s Hebrew University are analyzing how to make the sterile males more attractive to females. It has been discovered that male fruit flies fed a high-protein diet laced with particular bacteria n their popularity. The scientists hope their work will lead to numerous beneficial applications and a reduced dependence on insecticides. Read more here.

Jack Dykinga, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org