Yes, you read that right: Israel is exporting 400 million sterile flies, which will be dispersed in orchards in Croatia and Bosnia to help farmers control pests in an environmentally friendly way.
According to BioBee, a biotechnology company in Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu, devoted to research in biological pest control in agriculture, the flies are to be scattered in orchards along border areas of Croatia and Bosnia over a period of several months. This is expected to help reduce the population of fruit flies that attack crops, thus helping growers in Europe complete a successful season.
According to the company, the flies were bred in a laboratory and underwent special sterilisation at the plant's radioactive facilities, which operate under the supervision of the Atomic Energy Commission of Israel.
The flies will grow overseas, while still in a state of pupae, and will be incubated only when they reach their destination. The International Atomic Energy Agency, according to the Israeli company, supports the project as part of its policy to promote the use of nuclear technology for non-military purposes.
By using flies, growers can reduce the use of toxic pesticides, preserve the environment and supply a cleaner product to consumers.
Source: aurora-israel
