Question 1

How does our pgSIT technology work?

Accepted Answer

pgSIT technology uses CRISPR Cas-9 software to make two precise, controlled gene edits in the targeted agricultural pest. The result of Agragene's rearing technique is a population of only sterile males. When our sterile males are mated with in the wild, no viable offspring is produced, and the pest population is subsequently reduced and controlled with no KNOCKOUT™ persistence in the environment.

Question 2

Is pgSIT safe to crops, humans, and other insects?

Accepted Answer

This technology is backed by rigorous safety science currently under review by the EPA and USDA. It poses no risk to human health, non-target organisms, or the broader environment, and unlike conventional insecticides, it leaves no residue on fruit. Agragene's sterile male treatment is highly specific, targeting only intended pests in the environment with no impact on beneficial insects or other species.

Question 3

What is Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a small fly that damages raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes, peaches, and other soft fruits. The insects can multiply quickly and cause significant economic damage and yield loss on farms. Annually, SWD causes more than $5B in global damage to soft fruits.

Question 4

What is KNOCKOUT™ SWD?

Accepted Answer

KNOCKOUT™ SWD is a novel pest-control solution that introduces sterile male flies using precision-guided Sterile Insect Technique™ (pgSIT). KNOCKOUT™ SWD males mate with wild-type SWD females but produce no offspring, so weekly releases of KNOCKOUT™ SWD over the growing season will reduce and control the total population, decreasing fruit infestations and increasing marketable yield.

Question 5

Can KNOCKOUT™ SWD be used as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! KNOCKOUT™ SWD simply provides another tool in the toolbox for growers to more effectively combat SWD infestations. KNOCKOUT™ SWD can be used alongside existing IPM plans, and Agragene will work with growers and crop advisors to ensure a smooth and efficient integration.

Question 6

What efficacy data exists from field trials?

Accepted Answer

Independent researchers have achieved up to 99% reduction of SWD infestation in field trials using KNOCKOUT™ SWD. We continue to collect efficacy data across multiple geographies and under different conditions to validate impacts.

Question 7

Is KNOCKOUT™ applicable to other pests?

Accepted Answer

Agragene holds the exclusive global license & IP for pgSIT and sex selection across all insects for any purpose. We anticipate that KNOCKOUT™ products can be applied to other pests to benefit more growers and crops, and are currently developing additional products using similar processes.

Question 8

When will KNOCKOUT™ SWD be available to growers?

Accepted Answer

Agragene is anticipating a limited launch of KNOCKOUT™ SWD during the 2027 growing season (following the completion of federal and state approval processes) to collect more data and ensure product efficacy.

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