ABSTRACT
Sterile insect release methodology as conceived and implemented by Knipling1 was considered a potential option for pink bollworm (PBW), Pectinophora gossypiella, population suppression in the early 1960’s. The magnitude of the PBW threat to the California cotton industry was quickly realized and prompted immediate action by state and federal agencies, the scientific community, and cotton growers. The rationale for using PBW sterile moth releases to exclude or prevent infestation establishment was the result of experience gained in the southeastern screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, eradication program. Sterile PBW moth releases on established field infestations under the fairly isolated conditions of the reported studies required high numbers of released sterile PBW moths to achieve suppression of larval infestations in bolls. The results of laboratory and field cage studies have suggested potential for the use of sterile PBW moth releases for suppression of established PBW infestations.
