Category: Blog
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A New Opportunity for Apple Growers: USDA’s Regenerative Pilot Program Meets Codling Moth Sterile Insect Release
USDA’s Regenerative Pilot Program now supports Integrated Pest Management (NRCS Practice 595), including codling moth Sterile Insect Release for apple and pear growers. Learn what’s eligible, why it works, and how to get started with your local NRCS office.
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Rapid Innovation and Permanent Capacity: America’s Two-Front Sterile Insect Technique Defense Against Screwworm
Confirmed U.S. Screwworm Case Sparks Urgent Push for Sterile Fly Capacity On August 04, 2025, health officials confirmed the first U.S. human case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in decades. A Maryland resident who had recently returned from Guatemala was diagnosed with the flesh-eating parasite. After breaking containment in Panama in mid-2023, the pest advanced…
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Modular Approach Cited by Secretary Rollins as Key Tool Against New World Screwworm
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has identified rapid-deployment technologies—such as modular sterile fly units—as vital to bridging production gaps while a new $750 million domestic facility is built to combat the New World Screwworm. New World Screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax August 15, 2025 The New World Screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a parasitic fly…
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Back to the Frontlines: Renewed Battle Against the New World Screwworm
The resurgence of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) or NWS, in North America marks a pivotal moment in the region’s ongoing struggle to safeguard livestock, wildlife, and rural economies. Once considered a triumph of entomological science and international cooperation, the eradication of this devastating parasite is now under threat, demanding a rapid, coordinated response…
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The Codling Moth: A Global Pest
Scientific Name (Authority) Order: Family Common Name Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758) Lepidoptera: Tortricidae Codling Moth Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella) in Washington Apples The codling moth belongs to the family Tortricidae, which includes over 11,000 species commonly known as “leafrollers.” Many of these species are economically important pests like the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), an…
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USDA Funding Freeze Threatens Washington’s Specialty Crop Sector
A sweeping freeze on USDA conservation and organic funding is rattling Washington’s specialty crop industry—a vital sector renowned for its apples, pears, berries, grapes, and niche vegetables. The funding pause, part of a broader review tied to federal budgetary shifts and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, has put the sustainability and future innovation of the…
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A Natural Fit: How SIT Protects Organic Farms
In organic farming’s battle against orchard pests, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) offers a proven, pesticide-free solution. By releasing radiation-sterilized codling moth that mate with wild populations, SIT naturally reduces pest numbers while maintaining organic certification standards.
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How Drones Make SIT Smarter and Faster
Drone-powered Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is revolutionizing pest management in agriculture. This innovative approach combines mass-reared sterile insects with precise drone deployment systems, offering farmers a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to traditional pest control methods. The technology enables targeted distribution and efficient coverage of large areas.
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Revolutionizing Orchard Management: Sterile Insect Technique
The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) revolutionizes pest control by mass-rearing and sterilizing codling moths through gamma radiation before releasing them into orchards. This biological method disrupts pest reproduction cycles by overwhelming wild populations with sterile moths, offering sustainable pest management while reducing chemical pesticide use.
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The Future of Agriculture: Where Drones, AI, and Biology Converge
Discover how drones, AI, and the Sterile Insect Technique are revolutionizing sustainable agriculture, enhancing efficiency, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.