Entomology Unit
The Entomology Unit, in close collaboration with the Insect Pest Control Section of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture (NAFA), is responsible for development and transfer of technology related to the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). This involves R and D, training and the provision of services to Member States.
| The Unit has extensive insect rearing facilities, including quarantine facilities, training areas, a molecular laboratory and a radiation source. It is staffed by 5-6 scientists together with about 15 support staff and about 15 fellows/year are trained in various aspects of SIT technology. |  |
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The main R and D themes relate to improving mass rearing technology, product and process quality control, molecular biology and genetics, mating behaviour and radiation biology. |
The decision as to which species are included in the activities of the Unit is very important and there have been substantial changes in emphasis in recent years and new species have been introduced to reflect changes in the programme. R and D for tsetse SIT remains a very important component of the work considering the importance of this group of flies to agricultural development in many African countries. |
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Fruit flies because of their significant impact on the production of, and trade in, agricultural products are also under investigation in the Unit. In recent years, two new species have been introduced. |
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Recently a new project has started on assessing the feasibility of developing the SIT for control of malaria transmitting mosquitoes. The experimental component of this project is implemented in the Unit, but programmatically the project is allocated to the programme of the Division of Human Health (NAHU). |
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Training is a key component of technology transfer and considerable resources are devoted to this activity. Fellows come for varying periods time depending on the topic and either participate in one of the working activities or carry out a research project. The Unit also host consultants for short or long term periods.
The Unit provides services to Member States in the form of biological reagents e.g. insect strains and DNA probes as well as technical information related to all aspects of SIT technology.
The Unit produces an Annual Report which is available for downloading from 1996, together with the biannual Newsletter of the Insect Pest Control activities.
For further information please contact the Head, Entomology Unit