A research consortium including eminent experts from the National University of Gonswana recently announced that it was about to launch the final phase of its new locust control method. Using a gene editing technique, the researchers were able to alter the pheromone gene leading to the development of locust swarms. When locusts whose gene has been altered are released into a swarm, their pheromones disrupt the behaviours of wild locusts by preventing them from swarming. The researchers affirm that the insects are not a risk for humans and that their release has no negative environmental impacts. The researchers consider their method to be a model for safe biological control. Food for All, a non-profit organization, is the project’s main financial partner. It is currently in negotiations with the government of Gonswana to carry out tests under real conditions this year. The effort will involve a number of Gonswanan universities and research centres and could lead to the creation of a high-tech centre to develop locusts with the edited gene. The technology, which would serve all countries facing locust swarms, could position Gonswana as a regional leader in research and development and, in time, represent a key source of income…