Integrating sterile females into sterile insect technique programs to control Bactrocera dorsalis in La Réunion

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis is currently causing major economic losses in Réunion Island, threatening fruit production and agricultural sustainability. The SIT, based on the mass release of sterile insects, has been identified as a promising biological control strategy. While SIT programs usually rely on the release of sterile males, the potential contribution of sterile females remains poorly documented, particularly regarding their influence on mating dynamics and population suppression.