GENETIC INSECT CONTROL METHODS INVOLVING THE RELEASE OF RELATIVELY FEW LABORATORY-REARED INSECTS

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Abstract
Several genetic insect control methods are currently available, but they are practicable only when population densities are low.In this paper we describe ways of increasing the frequencies of dominant conditional lethal genes in populations. The proposed methods should be particularly valuable for the eradication of major agricultural pests controlled at present by frequent applications of insecticide.Eradication of boll weevil populations could be accomplished by the release of relatively small numbers of artificially reared insects. The number required can be less than it is for other proposed methods by a factor of 100 or more¡¡