Cornell University and Oxitec company, the developer of genetically
engineered mosquitoes designed to stop Zika and other diseases, are now set
to test genetically engineer male diamondback moth. Similar with the GE
mosquitoes developed by Oxitec, engineering of moths is focused on males to
lessen the population of the pest. The GE moths have passed the laboratory
and greenhouse trials. US Food and Drug Administration officials are
currently reviewing whether to allow open field trials of the GE moths. At
present, diamondback moth has shown resistance to 95 different pesticides.
Thus, it is a huge concern of vegetable farmers worldwide.
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