Bioobjectification: A Novel Approach in IPM

Abstract

Sterile insect technique and inherited sterility are older methods through which insect-pests are used to be genetically modified without using biotechnological tools. Using biotechnology to modify genetic constitution of insect-pests in order to manage them is getting importance and popular now. Scientists are modifying insect-pests by inserting desired transgenes and use them to fight against their own wild counterparts to reduce their damage to agricultural crops as well as human beings which is called bio-objectification. A technique of bio-objectification, release of insects carrying a dominant lethal gene (RIDL) is being experimented and evaluated worldwide on different insect-pests to reduce their population and eventually damage. OX513A is a genetically modified strain of dengue mosquito which had successfully reduced wild mosquito population in open environment. Likewise, in agriculture, transgenic strains of diamondback moth, OX4319L and pink boll worm, OX3402C have also showed significantly appreciable results on controlling their wild insect population.