ABSTRACT

The term ' 'genetic control'' may be used broadly to cover a variety of control techniques dependent on mating and usually interfering with reproduction.1 They exploit the mateseeking behavior of males and are species specific, thus avoiding the damage to nontarget organisms which may result from insecticidal control. Where these nontarget organisms are relatively slow-breeding predators of the pest species, their destruction can lead to surges of pest density soon after insecticide application (see chapter 7).