ABSTRACT

The vast majority of studies aimed at genetic modification of insects of medical and agricultural importance have focused on direct genonne transformation of the targe: insect via integrative DNA elements (Wan-en arid Crampton, 1994: Coates et al., 1998; Jasinskiene et al.. 1998). There are>

ernative approaches that have the same ultimate aim o nt genetic targets and mechanisms. Specifically, these

use of various viral and bacterial agents that are either native flora of, or the insect of interest (Beard et al., 1993: 1998; Higgs et al., 1993; Olson et al., 1996; see Chapter 8 by Carlson and Chapter 9 by Olson). The focus of this chapter is to review and summarize one group of microorganisms that has been used for this purpose, the actinomycete syrnbionts that live in the gut of triatomine vectors of Chagas disease. Specifically, the chapter will discuss the need and rationale for this approach, the general ecology of these microorganism, the potential way that the methodology might be applied, and relevant safety concerns.