RNA interference targeting Ras GTPase gene Ran causes larval and adult lethality in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Issue 9 (12th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shen, Chen‐Hui; Jin, Lin; Fu, Kai‐Yun; Guo, Wen‐Chao; Li, Guo‐Qing
• Is Part Of: Pest management science. Volume 78:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 3849
• Page End: 3858
• Publication Date: 2022-02-12
• Subjects: RNA interference -- dietary introduction -- bacteria‐expressed dsRNA -- LdRan; Pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Pesticides -- Periodicals; 632.9
• DOI: 10.1002/ps.6822
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1526-498X

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is a breakthrough technology in pest control. It is highly efficient to Coleopteran pests such as the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata, a serious pest defoliator mainly attacking potatoes worldwide. The first step for effective pest control by RNAi is the development of effective and reliable target genes. RESULTS: Our results revealed that continuous ingestion of ds LdRan for 3 days successfully silenced the target gene, inhibited larval growth and killed 100% L. decemlineata larvae. When the bioassay began at the second‐, third/fourth‐instar larval stages, the larval lethality mainly occurred at the fourth larval instar and prepupal stages, respectively. Importantly, consumption of ds LdRan for 3 days by the newly‐emerged males and females effectively knocked down the target transcript, reduced fresh weights and caused 100% of lethality within a week. The LdRan females possessed underdeveloped ovaries. CONCLUSION: Considering that the larvae, adults and eggs are simultaneously sited on the potato plants, bacterially‐expressed ds LdRan is a potential RNAi‐based strategy for managing L. decemlineata in the potato field. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. Abstract : RNA interference (RNAi) of LdRan in larvae and adults of Leptinotarsa decemlineata caused 100% mortality. Knockdown of LdRan in larvae inhibits growth and development, and silencing LdRan in adults represses feeding and ovary development. Bacterially‐expressed ds LdRan is a potential RNAi‐based strategy for managing L. decemlineata in the potato field.