Exploring insect biology and developing innovative strategies for agricultural pest management
The Meccariello Lab investigates the biology, genetics, and control of insect pests, with a particular focus on Tephritidae (fruit flies).
Our research explores innovative and sustainable approaches for agricultural pest management, integrating molecular biology, functional genomics, and applied entomology. We aim to better understand the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying insect reproduction, behaviour, and population dynamics to support the development of environmentally responsible control strategies. Through collaborations with international partners, our work bridges fundamental research and practical applications to address global challenges in sustainable agriculture and food security.
About
Led by Angela Meccariello. Based at Imperial College London.
The lab’s mission is to understand insect biology at the molecular and systems level and to translate this knowledge into novel strategies for major agricultural insect pests control. Our work is driven by interdisciplinary thinking, combining genetics, developmental biology, and evolutionary approaches with applied questions relevant to human and environmental health.
Research
Our research develops transferable genetic biocontrol tools for major agricultural insect pests (with Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha ludens as key systems), focusing on sex-ratio distortion, genetic sexing strains, pgSIT approaches and gene-drive-related concepts, alongside evolutionary studies of insect sex-determination genes.
News
Dr. Víctor López del Amo presents cutting-edge advances in CRISPR-based vector control, focusing on Cas12a gene drives and pgSIT technologies. His work expands genome engineering tools to improve precision, scalability, and effectiveness in controlling insect populations and disease vectors.
On 24 April, the Meccariello Lab welcomed Maxwell Scott for a special visit to foster international collaboration. A leading expert in insect genetics and pest control, his visit supports expanding research networks in agricultural pest management and opens new opportunities for future scientific exchange.
On 20–21 April the Meccariello Lab is pleased to announce the upcoming visit of Agragene Inc., an innovative biotechnology company focused on sustainable insect population control.
