The Department of Biotechnical Control focuses on environmentally friendly methods for managing harmful organisms, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Our department conducts research aimed at the development, effective implementation, and dissemination of the SIT method, primarily targeting economically important pests such as the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae).
Within the scope of SIT applications, activities include the production of sterile male insects, determination of quality control criteria, and the execution of trials and implementations under both laboratory and field conditions. Large-scale release programs are carried out to suppress pest populations. These efforts also contribute to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches at both national and international levels.
In addition to SIT, our department conducts research on the development and application of other biotechnical control methods, such as pheromones, attractants, trapping systems, and mating disruption techniques.
Main Duties of the Biotechnical Control Department are Summarized Below:
- To conduct research and development activities related to the production of sterile male insects, quality control, and field release studies within the scope of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) applications,
- To develop and implement projects concerning biotechnical control methods such as pheromones, attractants, traps, and mating disruption, etc.,
- To determine the biological efficacy of biotechnical materials and carry out standardization studies,
- To investigate and disseminate the applicability of residue-free, environmentally friendly alternative methods for pest control,
- To prepare "Plant Protection Technical Instructions", "Integrated Pest Management Technical Instructions", and "Standard Experimental Methods" related to biotechnical control,
- To participate in national and international congresses, workshops, and meetings; to present papers and take part in related tasks,
- To take part in the licensing and consultancy commissions of the Ministry,
- To collaborate with universities, research institutions, and producer organizations,
- To organize training programs for technical staff and farmers; and to prepare books, booklets, and farmer brochures,
- To provide internship training for students from faculties of agriculture and offer consultancy services to local farmers,
- To ensure that biotechnical control methods are tested in the field through pilot applications and the results are disseminated.