ABSTRACT

The aim in developing genetic sexing mechanisms is to avoid large releases of both males and females to reduce feral populations. Sterile releases of both sexes have been shown to be less effective than releasing only males. An ideal genetic sexing system would be one in which the sexes could be discriminated at early stages of development. This would allow the release of males only. This is the case for the thermal sensitive lethal (TSL) strain. Production and release of the TSL strain on a large scale requires further refinement of rearing practices, assessment of quality control parameters, and the determination of an appropriate irradiation dose, to name just a few issues. The control samples for the TSL and for all crosses involving the TSL males show a reduced fertility even without irradiation. This is a consequence of the semi-sterility associated with the Y-autosome translocation carried by the males in the TSL strain.