- The study byCornell University’s Department of Entomology, describes the creation and successful release of gene-edited diamondback moths into an open field setting
- Diamondback moths (Plutella xylostella) is one of the main pests for crops in the brassica family which includes cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and canola.
- Certain populations of diamondback moths have shown very stubborn resistance to synthetic insecticides in many settings around the world.
- The idea behind this approach is for genetically-engineered male moths to make their way into the wide world and mate with wild females. They’ll pass on the self-limiting genes, which prevent the female caterpillars from developing normally.