ANSTO's research capabilities, led by the OPAL nuclear research reactor and associated instruments provide access to users investigating areas as diverse as materials, life sciences, climate change and mining/engineering.
Sterile Insect Technique
The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is the primary pest management program to contain and eradicate Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly) outbreaks. In Australia this program was developed in collaboration with ANSTO. SIT is the only alternative to cover-spray applications of toxic pesticides when eradication is required. Since 1988 irradiation has been used by the NSW Department of Primary Industries at ANSTO to sterilise millions of laboratory-reared fruit flies per week. Invasions into otherwise fruit fly free areas disrupts the multi-million dollar a year trade in citrus, stonefruit, pome fruit, grapes and other crops.
ANSTO continues to irradiate these insects for the Tri-State SIT program (NSW, VIC and SA State Governments, Industry and matching Commonwealth funds) on a weekly basis for up to 9 months of the year and at other times when research into improving SIT is being carried out by NSW DPI and others.
A very narrow radiation dose of between 70 and 75 Gy is required to ensure sterility but maintain quality and competitiveness against wild flies. In Australia, only ANSTO can accurately deliver this dose range.
Contact: Connie Banos