(from GM Watch) United Kingdom-based Oxitec has developed new genetically-modified bugs, and it plans to start open-field trials within the forthcoming months. The flies are designed to reproduce with native pests and create offspring together as the females typically die while still larvae. In this manner, they intend to curb the indigenous pest population.
The flies are designed to reproduce with native pests and create offspring together as the females typically die while still larvae. In this manner, they intend to curb the indigenous pest population.
Most are worried that release of non-native strains of genetically modified pests could propagate unwanted, unnatural characteristics like pesticide-resistance.
The director of GeneWatch has stated that it is quite dangerous to introduce non-native strains of pests into a fresh nation. Harmful characteristics like pesticide resistance would not be possible to eliminate when they propagate through the wild.