Releasing genetically engineered fruit flies into the wild could prove to be a cheap, effective and environmentally friendly way of pest control according to scientists at the University of East Anglia and Oxitec Ltd.<br><br>“Oxitec have developed a genetic approach to control medfly that is species specific and cost effective that relies on males passing on a self-limiting trait to female offspring. This collaborative research study, with UEA shows that this approach is effective and once appropriate regulatory approvals are received the technology will offer growers a safe and effective route to protect their crops. Currently medfly causes crop losses in many parts of the world where it is an introduced, invasive and difficult to control pest as well as its native Mediterranean habitat.” today reveals how the release of genetically engineered male flies could be used as an effective population suppression method – saving crops around the world.<br><br><a href="http://www.uea.ac.uk/mac/comm/media/press/2014/August/oxitec-flies">READ MORE ON UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA</a><br>
