Using Nuclear Science to Control Pests

4 August 2015

Producer:
Producer: Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture (NAFA)

For over 50 years, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been successfully used around the world to tackle pests that destroy fruit and kill livestock. The method uses radiation to sterilize male flies, which are mass-produced in rearing facilities. Large numbers of sterile males are released into a target area, where they mate with wild females. No offspring are produced, and the wild fly population declines over time. Once established, this technique provides sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly insect control.

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Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications Organizational Structure Department of Technical Cooperation Technical cooperation programme Nuclear technology and applications Insect Pest Control Section Seibersdorf Laboratories Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture Food and agriculture Livestock Animal health Sterile insect technique Insect pest control

Using Nuclear Science to Control Pests

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