The TEA, ‘Assisted Evolution Techniques’, could be used not only to obtain rice resistant to blast or Chardonnay resistant to downy mildew but also to protect cherry growers and, in general, fruit growers from attacks by Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as the spotted wing drosophila.
“The ‘Gene Drive’ – said Gianfranco Anfora, professor at UniTr – involves the release of a few genetically modified individuals of Drosophila suzukii that, according to ongoing research, could lead to the progressive and total collapse of the target population.”
The ‘Gene Drive’ is a possibility that researchers are exploring, and it was discussed during an event organized by the Accademia dei Georgofili, Fondazione E. Mach, and Sant’Orsola titled ‘Biological Control of Drosophila suzukii, Updates and Perspectives’ held in Pergine (Tn) on February 19th.
The technique involves the use of molecular scissors CRISPR/Cas9, for which Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, and is an evolution of another strategy already used for biological control of pests, namely the sterile male technique (SIT).
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