Support the continued development of sterile insect technique (SIT) for use against the navel orangeworm (now) in tree nut orchards

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the State of Arizona, operating as the AZ Cotton Council, for $474,670 on September 30, 2025. The award funds continued development of sterile insect technique (SIT) for use against the navel orangeworm in tree nut orchards, including supporting science and technology activities. The award is funded under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), which protects U.S. agriculture from economically injurious plant and animal diseases and pests. Performance takes place in Arizona and runs through September 29, 2026. The program supports eligible applicants including state and local government agencies, Indian Tribes, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and nonprofit associations or organizations working to eradicate, control, or assess the status of injurious plant and animal diseases and pests that threaten regional or national agriculture.

Activities to be performed in this agreement include supporting science & tecno