Sterile insect technique: Using innovation to combat global issues
South Australia pioneering the use of sterile insect technnique to combat sheep blowfly and fruit fly
South Australia is driving the use of sterile insect technique (SIT) to manage two significant agricultural pests: the Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) and the Australian sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina). The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) through the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), is leading innovative programs that are setting global benchmarks in sustainable pest control.
Combating fruit fly in the Riverland
The Riverland region, renowned for its citrus and stone fruit production, has faced challenges from Queensland fruit fly outbreaks. To address this, PIRSA established the National Sterile Insect Technology facility in Port Augusta, which has undergone a $3 million expansion to double its capacity. This facility now produces up to 40 million sterile male fruit flies weekly, which are released into affected areas to mate with wild females, resulting in no offspring and a decline in the pest population.
This approach has led to the release of over one billion sterile fruit flies into the Riverland, significantly reducing fruit fly numbers and minimising the reliance on chemical insecticides. The program's success has positioned South Australia as a leader in sustainable horticultural pest management and eradication.
Sterile flies are marked with fluorescent dye before leaving the SIT facilities allowing sterile insects to be easily identified when captured in traps within outbreak areas. This allows monitoring of sterile numbers and impact compared with wild flies.
Eradicating sheep blowfly on Kangaroo Island
Flystrike, caused by the Australian sheep blowfly, poses severe animal welfare concerns and economic losses, costing the Australian sheep industry nearly $300 million annually. In a world-first initiative, a $3.45 million SIT facility has been established on Kangaroo Island to breed and release up to 50 million sterile blowflies each week. The sterile males mate with wild females, leading to a decline in the blowfly population and aiming to eradicate flystrike from the island. Utilising SIT means mulesing is not required and there is no resistance development as can occur with the use of chemicals.
SIT driving innovatiive and sustainable agriculture
These programs can be replicated in other regions, offering a humane and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical controls. The initiative underscores South Australia's commitment to animal welfare, innovation and sustainable agriculture.
Through innovative applications of SIT, South Australia is addressing critical agricultural challenges with environmentally sustainable solutions. The state's leadership in deploying SIT for both fruit fly and sheep blowfly control not only enhances local biosecurity but also sets a precedent for global pest management strategies.