A SINGLE genetic mutation that protects fruit flies from the lethal effects of the insecticide DDT has spread around the world like wildfire. Insects can spread genetic traits very rapidly, but no one has spotted a global takeover before.
The discovery echoes similar research on the mosquito that carries the malaria parasite. Scientists recently found that a DDT resistance gene in Anopheles gambiae had spread right up and down the west coast of tropical Africa.
Such rapid spread suggests that resistance to new insecticides is inevitable, particularly for insects that travel around the world with people or food. “It would…
