Agragen, a biotechnology company, is making strides in the development of precision-guided sterile SWD technology to control Spotted Winged Drosophila in agriculture. This technology utilizes gene-edited sterile males to control the pest population, without introducing new genetic material or chemicals that could develop resistance.
Matt Helms, the Chief Commercial Officer of Agragen, highlights the unique nature of this technology, stating that it is a brand-new category of insect control that could provide a sustainable and effective solution for farmers. Research and Development Director Stephanie Gamins has been working on the CRISPR-Cas9 technology in insects since her graduate school years.
The technology works by tricking female SWD into mating with sterile males, which results in no offspring being produced. Agragen’s KNOCKOUT technology has already completed field trials with USDA and university researchers, with upcoming trials planned for fresh berry and cherry growers this year in partnership with Associates Insectary pending EPA approval.
Helms anticipates that the precision-guided sterile insect technology could be commercially available as soon as 2027. This development could revolutionize insect control in agriculture, providing a sustainable and efficient solution for farmers battling pest infestations. Stay tuned for further updates as Agragen continues to progress through trials and bring this innovative technology to market.
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