Genetically modified flies 'could save crops'

A type of genetically engineered fly which eventually kills itself off could be an effective method of pest control, according to new research.

Helen Wallace from Genewatch, an organisation that monitors the use of genetic technology, is critical of the work. She said that the long-term effects of releasing millions of GM flies would be impossible to predict.

"Fruit grown using Oxitec's GM flies will be contaminated with GM maggots which are genetically programmed to die inside the fruit they are supposed to be protecting."