British scientists from the University of East Anglia and Oxitec Ltd. said, that brought the species of Drosophila, which samounichtozhaetsya that is an alternative protect crops without pesticides. Scientists believe that the use of genetically engineered fruit flies can be more cheap, effective and environmentally friendly method of pest control.

Field tests of genetically modified insects has already approved the government of Brazil. Researchers are also seeking testing in Europe.

Female fruit flies genetically modified so that they become unviable, so the population consists of males, unable to continue. This method is cheap and effective alternative to irradiation and promising new way to deal with insects.

Genetic engineers have carried out similar experiments with insects in the past that have been effective. For example, scientists have successfully destroyed the mosquitoes that carry the dengue fever. The experiment was conducted in Brazil, where the highest incidence of dengue in the world. Last year it was reported that 1.4 million cases of the disease. Each year worldwide, dengue fever infects at least 50 million people and kills more than a million. The staff of the Brazilian Ministry of health launched a pilot program on the use of genetically modified mosquitoes to destroy this subspecies. British biotechnology company Oxitec has developed a way of introducing the mosquito gene, which kills them.

It is likely that GM fruit flies would not like consumers and activists, opponents of GMOs in the United States and Europe.

In addition, Drosophila suggest just to feed artificial sweetener Truvia. Researchers at Drexel University have found that erythritol contained in Truvia is a surprisingly effective insecticide.