Developing Alternatives to Gamma Irradiation for the Sterile Insect Technique

Almost all insect pest control programmes currently releasing sterile insects as part of the area-wide integrated application of the sterile insect technique (SIT) use radioisotope irradiators that are loaded either with cobalt-60 or caesium-137, which produce ionizing radiation consisting of gamma rays. Irradiators such as the Gammacell 220 have proven to be extremely reliable for the purpose of achieving sterilization of target insect pests. However, the growing logistical complexities of the transboundary shipment of radioisotopes and the fear of terrorism are making the reloading of existing sources, the acquisition of new ones and their shipment to Member States across international borders increasingly difficult.