Pest control does not always have to mean clouds of chemicals drifting over crops. A smarter and environmentally friendly alternative is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a biological control method that involves releasing mass-reared, sterilised insects to suppress wild pest populations.
Participants at the Fruit Fly Mass Rearing Facility in Stellenbosch
Dr Muluvhahothe delivering the presentation
Earlier in September 2025, Dr Mulalo Muluvhahothe represented UNIVEN at a technical meeting hosted by Stellenbosch University, where IAEA project participants from across the world gathered to share research progress and insights. During the visit, delegates toured the fruit fly and XSIT mass-rearing facilities, witnessing firsthand how the Sterile Insect Technique has been successfully implemented. These visits demonstrated that SIT is not merely a scientific concept but a proven, scalable solution that can transform pest management practices.
As one of the most effective biological control strategies, SIT offers farmers a sustainable and chemical-free alternative to protect their crops. Its broader impact extends beyond agriculture — reducing pesticide reliance, creating local employment opportunities, and fostering new avenues of research and innovation.
Over the next 18 months, Dr Muluvhahothe will continue investigating key aspects of the developmental biology of the macadamia nut borer (MNB) to further enhance the efficiency of the mass-rearing process. The project is funded by the IAEA and supported through the DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Biodiversity Value and Change. Dr Muluvhahothe also holds an NRF Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship, underscoring UNIVEN’s growing contribution to sustainable agricultural solutions that balance productivity with environmental care.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
