Agricultural technology company, M3 Agriculture Technologies, has recently received a $1 million grant from the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Radiological Security (ORS). This grant aims to support the development of a new approach to Insect Pest Management using X-ray technology.
The ORS, in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia), seeks to reduce the risk of high-activity radioactive sources by transitioning to non-radioisotopic irradiation technologies. As part of this initiative, the ORS funds studies exploring the use of these technologies for various applications, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT).
The Sterile Insect Technique is a method used to control insect populations without relying on harmful chemicals. It involves releasing millions of infertile insects into targeted environments, which then mate with the wild population, leading to a decline in their numbers over time. Currently, SIT uses gamma radiation from radioactive sources to induce sterility in insects. However, M3 Agriculture Technologies aims to replace these radioactive sources with X-ray technology.
The collaboration between M3 and the ORS aims to enhance safety, eliminate security risks associated with radioactive sources, and simplify the deployment of SIT. By developing X-ray-based approaches to sterilize targeted insect species, M3 hopes to propel the agricultural industry towards a more sustainable future. Additionally, this shift from gamma irradiation to X-ray technology will democratize the benefits of SIT, making it accessible to regions lacking the infrastructure for gamma irradiators.
M3 Agriculture Technologies is currently focused on addressing the economic threats posed by two major insect pests: the Codling moth and the Navel Orangeworm. The Codling moth infests crops such as apples and pears, while the Navel Orangeworm poses a significant threat to almond and pistachio production in the United States.
Moses-Gonzales, the Chief Executive Officer of M3, emphasizes the urgency of finding innovative solutions to combat these destructive pests. He states, “By transitioning from gamma radiation to X-ray based sterilization, M3 is not only ensuring a more environmentally friendly approach to invasive species but also broadening the reach of these game-changing technologies to regions with limited resources.”
The implications of this collaboration are significant for the agricultural industry. The use of X-ray technology for insect pest management offers enhanced safety, eliminates security risks associated with radioactive sources, and provides a more sustainable alternative to conventional methods. Moreover, the democratization of SIT through X-ray technology will benefit regions lacking the necessary infrastructure for gamma irradiators, allowing them to combat invasive species and protect their crops more effectively.
As M3 Agriculture Technologies continues to develop its X-ray based approach to Insect Pest Management, the agricultural industry can look forward to a more sustainable and accessible solution for controlling insect populations. With the support of the ORS grant, M3 is poised to make a significant impact on the future of agriculture and contribute to global food security.