Evolutionary prerequisites for safe and effective use of gene drive technology in invasive pest management

Gene drives are a new genetic technology that can spread a chosen trait quickly through a population, even when it reduces the survival or reproduction of individual animals. They could become a powerful tool for controlling invasive pest species, but questions remain about their performance in the wild. Most research is done in small laboratory populations with little genetic variation, which do not reflect natural populations. We do not know how well gene drives will work in genetically diverse populations, how they can remain effective over many generations, how to build reliable safety mechanisms, or how natural environmental variability affects their spread. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to judge whether gene drives can be used safely, effectively, and sustainably in the field. Premature field trials could fail or have unintended consequences, reducing public confidence. This project investigates the evolutionary prerequisites needed for the safe and effective use of gene drive technology in invasive pest management.