OR treatment of hazardous insects Threatening the heart of European agricultural production is a constant challenge, especially when threats move “under the radar”. But there is an innovative, biological way that does not burden the environment nor does the costs pass on to producers: The Neutered insect (Sterile Insect Technique – Sit), central “weapon” of European research program React. Through sit, React aims to combat insects such as Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis Capitata)the Asian Friday Friday Bactrocera dorsalis and the peach fly Bactrocera zonatawhich threaten basic crops throughout Europe.
Dr. Antonios Augustine (main researcher of agricultural entomology, ELGO-DIMITRA), Dr. Nikos Papadopoulos (Professor of Applied Entomology, University of Thessaly) and Doctor of Agricultural and PhD candidate Basil Rodovitis.
How does the sterior insect technique (sit) work?
OR sit It is based on the massive insect farming-this react is performed in ELGO-DIMITRA (Patras), with a special strain (Vienna 8 GSS) that allows gender separation. By using irradiation, males are sterilized and then released into the environment. There they mate with wild females, without leaving offspring, naturally and steadily reducing the population of the harmful insect – without the use of chemical insecticides.
Sustainable solution for agriculture without environmental burden
According to Dr. Augustine, Sit recommends environmentally safe method. It is exclusively concerned with the target-of-step, with no effects on other organizations or ecosystem. Although well known for decades, it has remained outdated by the widespread use of insecticides. But today, with European strategies emphasizing the reduction of chemical inputsthe implementation of the sit, especially with pilot programs in Greece, is expected to be a guide to the transition of European agriculture to more sustainable practices, contributing to enhancing resistance to biological threats.
As Dr. Augustine, sit is not a “magic solution”, but its combination with other integrated plant protection practices can shape the future of European and Greek sustainable agriculture.
Challenges to the wide application of sit
The wide and successful application requires Large-scale breeding of the target insectensuring biological resilience and separation of males as well as proper sterilization. The process of irradiation and transport of insects to the fields must be guaranteed with strict protocols for effective release – either by ground or by aerial means (Ideals with drones). These procedures are secured internationally by the International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA).
Central Macedonia: European Leading in Sit Applications
Her choice Central Macedonia The first pilot field is not accidental. The rise in temperature has created new conditions for the spread of the Mediterranean fly, starting from the north. The program has been watching populations for six years while the pilot releases They are held in two 20 hectares with a weekly release of 100,000 sterile males, after collaboration with producers.
The results are monitored by a trap network and fruit sampling to evaluate efficiency. First clear data are expected in October 2025while the tests will continue in 2026, with a definitive evaluation of the results at the end of the second pilot year.
The impact on the producers and the future of plant protection
Mediterranean fly affects citrus, peaches, apricots and figs, causing significant financial losses. To date, producers have resorted to frequent and costly pesticides, which increases costs and degrades the quality of the products. Sit, as Basil Rodovitis explains, gives promising first indications because it seems to work effectively and without environmental burden.
The React Program: European Cooperation for Innovative Plant Protection
The React (Rapid elimination of spatial insects of agricultural importance by applying the technique of neutered insects) adopts a holistic approach, from the prevention and recognition of invaders, to advanced monitoring and development of mobile, cost -effective interventions. The 48 -month -old program (November 2022 – October 2026) is implemented by 15 bodies in 12 countries and three continents, with funding of 6.65m euros from the Horizon Europe.
The photos were made for use in RES-EIA by Mr. Rodovitis.
Source: Skai
I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, and my work has been featured on many different news websites. I am also an author, and my work has been published in several books. I specialize in opinion writing, and I often write about current events and controversial topics. I am a very well-rounded writer, and I have a lot of experience in different areas of journalism. I am a very hard worker, and I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.
