Edward F. Knipling

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Edward F. Knipling (March 20, 1909 – March 17, 2000) was an American entomologist who made significant contributions to the field of insect control. He is best known for developing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a method of biological control that has been used to eradicate or suppress various insect pests.

Early Life and Education

Knipling was born in Port Lavaca, Texas. He developed an early interest in entomology and pursued his studies at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1930. He later obtained a Master of Science degree from the same institution in 1932. Knipling completed his Ph.D. in entomology at Iowa State University in 1934.

Career

Knipling began his career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1930. During his tenure at the USDA, he worked on various projects related to insect control and pest management. His most notable achievement was the development of the Sterile Insect Technique, which he co-developed with his colleague Raymond C. Bushland.

Sterile Insect Technique

The Sterile Insect Technique involves the mass-rearing of a target insect species, sterilizing them using radiation or chemicals, and then releasing them into the wild. The sterile insects mate with wild populations, leading to a decline in the population over time. This method has been successfully used to control pests such as the screwworm, Mediterranean fruit fly, and tsetse fly.

Awards and Honors

Knipling received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to entomology and pest control. Some of the notable awards include:

• The World Food Prize in 1992
• The National Medal of Science in 1966
• The Wollaston Medal from the Geological Society of London in 1974

Legacy

Edward F. Knipling's work has had a lasting impact on the field of entomology and pest management. His innovative approach to insect control has been adopted worldwide and continues to be a vital tool in the fight against agricultural pests and disease vectors.

Personal Life

Knipling was married to his wife, Margaret Knipling, and they had three children. He passed away on March 17, 2000, in Arlington, Virginia.

See Also

• Entomology
• Sterile Insect Technique
• United States Department of Agriculture
• World Food Prize
• National Medal of Science

External Links

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