Advances in radiation-based sterile insect technique: A comprehensive review of mechanisms, influencing factors, and its potential for sustainable pest control

Pesticides remain the primary method for pest management in agriculture, however, their overuse has led to resistance and raised significant concerns regarding ecological impacts and non-target organisms safety. These challenges highlight the need for sustainable, alternative pest control strategies. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has emerged as a key component of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) due to its environmental safety, species specificity, and minimal risks to humans and livestock. SIT programs typically use ionizing radiation to induce sterility in target insect populations. This review explores the scientific basis of radiation-induced sterility, focusing on its effects on germ cells, genetic material, and metabolic processes. We also examine the factors that influence the quality of sterile males-such as rearing conditions, irradiation parameters, transportation, and release strategies-all of which are critical for successful field applications of SIT. Additionally, we review recent advances in radiation-based SIT and its use in sustainable agricultural pest control and vector management. Optimizing key aspects of SIT, including rearing, irradiation, transportation, and release, as well as integrating SIT with other pest management strategies, can enhance its effectiveness. This review provides practical insights for improving SIT and outlines its potential role in the future of sustainable pest control.