The potential use of sterile hybrid Boophilus ticks (acari: Ixodidae) as a supplemental eradication technique.

Abstract

Crosses of Boophilus annulatus and B. microplus result in sterile male progeny and fertile female progeny. When the latter are backcrossed, they also produce sterile male progeny and fertile female progeny. This phenomenon was observed through 3 generations. The authors theorize, on the basis of available data, that sterile hybrids could be used effectively to eradicate low levels of native tick populations. A theoretical model demonstrates eradication of the ticks within a 2-year period.