A possible genetic method for the control of insect pests, with special reference to tsetse flies (Glossina spp.).

Abstract

The use of chromosome translocations for the control of pests, with particular reference toGlossina, is proposed. A translocation arises if two non-homologous chromosomes in the same cell undergo breakage and the fragments re-join with the wrong partners. At meiosis in an individual heterozygous for a translocation, gamete nuclei with several different combinations of chromosomes are produced. Some of these are diploid for one part and lack completely another part of the normal chromosome set; when such unbalanced gametes fertilise normal gametes inviable embryos are produced. It has been found in a number of organisms that about half the gametes of translocation heterozygotes are of the unbalanced type and such heterozygotes are described as semi-sterile. If an individual inherits the same translocation from both parents it is described as a translocation homozygote; this is often inviable but, if not, its fertility is usually normal.Adult males ofG. austeniNewst. have been irradiated and each of their progeny are being screened for the occurrence of semi-sterility. Any individuals found to be semi-sterile would probably be translocation heterozygotes and their progeny will be inbred to try to produce a viable stock, homozygous for a translocation. If this can be done, large numbers of such translocation homozygotes could be reared and released into a wild population, where matings with wild types would produce heterozygotes, and hence a reduction in the fertility of the population.Using simple assumptions, the effects of releasing translocation homozygotes were computed. Provided the numbers released were such that the translocation frequency approached the optimum value of 50 per cent., the reduction in population fertility would be prolonged for many generations after the releases had finished. It is shown that it would be more efficient to release the translocation homozygotes at successive generations rather than all at once and that the homozygotes released could with advantage be of both sexes. For this reason, and because of the prolonged effect of releases of translocations, it is concluded that the number of individuals that would have to be reared to achieve a given result by the translocation method might be considerably less than if the sterile-male method was used. However, the reduction in population fertility at each generation that can be achieved with the translocation method is limited, and the method would therefore be ineffective against populations whose size was strongly buffered by density-dependent factors.