The Sterile-male Technique as a Possible Method for Con- Trolling the Leafhopper Vector of Fiji Disease of Sugarcane

I t IS possible t o expose sugarcane leafhoppers to a level of gamma radiation which effectively sterilizes them witliout appearmg to affect their mating ability. The sterile Inale release procedure could be used to eradicate the insect and thus stop the transmission of Fiji disease of sugarcane. Altllough at present the procedure is too expenslve for commercial use, current work could seduce the costs to an acceptable level.