Progress towards the development of a transgenic strain of the Australian sheep blowfly ( Lucilia cuprina) suitable for a male-only sterile release program

The Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina is the most important pest species involved in cutaneous myiasis (flystrike) of sheep in Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand L. cuprina is primarily controlled through the application of insecticides. However, there is an increased interest in biological methods of control of this species. We have proposed to develop a genetically modified strain of L. cuprina that would be ideal for a male-only sterile release program. To that end we have developed a method for making transgenic L. cuprina using a piggyBac vector and an EGFP marker gene. We have also developed in Drosophila melanogaster a 2-component genetic system for controlling female viability. Females carrying both components of the system die unless fed a diet that contains tetracycline. We anticipate that the female-killing system will need to be optimised for L. cuprina in order to make a strain with the properties required for a male-only release program.