ABSTRACT
From its beginnings almost 50 years ago the sterile insect technique (SIT) has evolved into an effective and wideiy accepted method for modern insect control and eradication (Tgrafsm. 1999). The area-wide concept, implicit in the SIT. is coming to be seen as the rational solution to many insect-related problems (FAOIIAEA, 1999). The power o f the technique lies in the simplicity o f the biological principles on which it is founded (Knipling. 1955) and the lack o f any negative environmental effect following its application.
