Deadly Diamondback Moths

Diamondback moth larvae are major crop pests that eat the leaves of food plants such as kale, cabbage, and broccoli. But toxic pesticides that are used to kill off these pests also harm good insects like pollinators, not to mention the health hazards they cause for people.

A British company has come up with a solution. They’ve engineered male diamondback moths with a pair of genes that cause all their female offspring to die. Meanwhile the male offspring inherit the deadly gene and continue to pass it on. Since only about half of the male offspring survive, the killer genes disappear from the population after a few generations. Continually reintroducing modified males into the field keeps the population in check.

God gave human beings dominion over creation. Part of that dominion responsibility includes using the tools he gave us to benefit others. When used responsibly, scientific tools such as genetic modification techniques can equip us to be better stewards of the creation God has entrusted to our care.

This article was taken from Answers magazine, July–August, 2020, 20.