A technology known simply as SIT has played an instrumental role over the past four decades in helping countries to protect their agricultural economies by controlling pests that threaten harvests. Today, more and more countries are interested in applying SIT, the sterile insect technique, as part of their food, health and animal protection campaigns.
A range of educational and training resources are available from the Joint Programme of the IAEA and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). They include:
- New Book. A new publication Sterile Insect Technique, Principles and Practice in Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management brings together information through 2005 about SIT and its application around the world. It features contributions from some 50 experts in 19 countries where the technology has yielded valuable benefits and lessons, and looks ahead to potential future applications. For more information, visit the Joint Programme´s web site.
- Teaching Film. Produced several years ago, The Sterile Insect Technique, An Environment-Friendly Method of Insect Pest Suppression and Eradication now is available in English, French, and Spanish versions from the Agency through its Joint FAO/IAEA Programme. The film (28 minutes) has been distributed to agricultural and educational institutes worldwide. It is available in PAL, NTSC and SECAM formats on video tape and in CD format that can be viewed on computers.
- A Farewell to Tsetse. This 1997 film depicts how the sterile insect technique was successfully used to eradicate the tsetse fly from the island of Zanzibar. (Watch a preview)