from Hacker News

In a first, scientists find genetic cause for ‘virgin birth’ in animals

by shartshooter on 7/28/23, 5:24 PM with 4 comments

• by mcv on 7/28/23, 7:03 PM

  > Fruit flies that normally must mate to reproduce can be genetically modified to give birth asexually for generations to come

  As the host of an annual fruit fly infestation, this sounds like an incredibly bad idea.

  > The findings could have implications for food security, because virgin births may be becoming more common among crop pests, the researchers say

  Sounds like they figured that out too.

  > Sperling suspects that modern agricultural practices are creating the right kinds of pressures to spur virgin births in insects that attack crops, which could make the pests harder to eliminate.

  I guess it's good that we have a better idea of what enables it.