On the Improvement of the Sterile Insect Technique by Entomopathogenic Fungi: Impact of Residual Fertility and Re-mating Behaviour

by Yves Dumont

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a pest/vector control method that releases sterile males to disrupt reproduction. In Réunion, CIRAD's AttracTIS project targets the oriental fruit fly, studying how factors like residual fertility (ε), re-mating, and changes in female mating behavior affect SIT effectiveness. An analysis of our SIT structured model shows SIT works only if εR_S < 1, where R_S is the basic offspring number of sterile-mated females. Typically, the biology of double-sterile-mated females is overlooked. Combining SIT with entomopathogenic fungi, which shorten insect lifespans and reduce R_S, can allow for lower radiation doses, and thus improve sterile male fitness, or reduce the release rates. 

The compartimental diagram related to the SIT structured model with re-mating and residual fertility.