Genetic Technologies for Sustainable Management of Insect Pests and Disease Vectors

Grilli, Silvia; Galizi, Roberto; Taxiarchi, Chrysanthi

doi:10.3390/su13105653

Genetic Technologies for Sustainable Management of Insect Pests and Disease Vectors

Grilli, Silvia; Galizi, Roberto; Taxiarchi, Chrysanthi

Authors

Silvia Grilli

Roberto Galizi r.galizi@keele.ac.uk

Chrysanthi Taxiarchi

Abstract

Recent advancements in genetic and genome editing research, augmented by the discovery of new molecular tools such as CRISPR, have revolutionised the field of genetic engineering by enabling precise site-specific genome modifications with unprecedented ease. These technologies have found a vast range of applications, including the development of novel methods for the control of vector and pest insects. According to their genetic makeup and engineering, these tools can be tuned to impose different grades of impact on the targeted populations. Here, we review some of the most recent genetic control innovations under development, describing their molecular mechanisms and performance, highlighting the sustainability potentials of such interventions.

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	May 12, 2021
Publication Date	May 18, 2021
Journal	Sustainability
Publisher	MDPI
Pages	5653 - 5653
DOI	https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105653
Keywords	sustainability; genetic control; disease vectors; genome editing; gene drive
Publisher URL	https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/10/5653