Genetic analysis of medfly populations in an area of sterile insect technique applications

Abstract The sterile insect technique (SIT) is widely used in integrated pest management programs for the control of Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata . genetic interactions between released individuals from sexing strains (GSS), SIT applications worldwide, and wild have not been studied. Under hypothesis that a number Vienna GSS to field might be completely may produce viable offspring, we analyzed medfly Spanish populations evaluate presence strain markers. To this goal, contrasted nuclear mitochondrial markers, two novel sets polymorphisms with potential markers discriminate individuals. Nuclear located on 5th chromosome males found 2.2% (19 875) females captured at area where applied. In addition, female-inherited marker has 19 showing detection several these single represents evidence introgression into natural populations. However, alternative explanations as their low frequency studied areas cannot fully discarded. undesired release non-fully irradiated flies, environmental implications should taken account application SIT.