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Double-stranded RNA Oral Delivery Methods to Induce RNA Interference in Phloem and Plant-sap-feeding Hemipteran Insects
Published on: May 4, 2018
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Next Generation dsRNA-Based Insect Control: Success So Far and Challenges
Rahul B Nitnavare1,2, Joorie Bhattacharya3,4, Satnam Singh5,6
1Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|November 4, 2021
Summary
RNA interference (RNAi) offers a novel pest control method by silencing insect genes. Efficiency varies across insect groups, with coleopterans showing high response and hemipterans low response, necessitating improved delivery methods for effective RNAi pest management.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene silencing mechanism utilizing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to target messenger RNA (mRNA).
- RNAi has potential applications in pest management across various insect orders, including Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera.
- Understanding variations in RNAi efficiency among insect groups is crucial for developing effective pest control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of RNAi technology in agriculturally significant insect pests.
- To analyze the factors influencing RNAi efficiency in Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera.
- To discuss novel methods for enhancing dsRNA delivery and RNAi efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on RNAi mechanisms and applications in Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera.
- Analysis of factors affecting dsRNA stability and uptake, such as gut pH and nucleases.
- Examination of various dsRNA delivery systems, including diet supplementation, root soaking, nanoparticles, and Agrobacterium-mediated methods.
Main Results:
- RNAi efficiency varies significantly across insect orders, with Coleoptera showing the highest response and Hemiptera the lowest.
- Factors like endosomal escape, dsRNA-specific nucleases, and alkaline gut environments impact RNAi efficacy.
- Dietary supplementation is a common, eco-friendly delivery method, while newer techniques like nanoparticles and transgenics require further optimization.
Conclusions:
- RNAi holds significant promise for sustainable pest management in agriculture.
- Overcoming challenges related to dsRNA delivery and insect-specific barriers is key to maximizing RNAi effectiveness.
- Continued research into advanced delivery systems and understanding insect-specific responses will drive the successful implementation of RNAi pest control.
