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Perfect Complementarity Mechanism for Aphid Control: Oligonucleotide Insecticide Macsan-11 Selectively Causes High
Yelizaveta V Puzanova1, Ilya A Novikov1, Anastasiya I Bilyk1
1Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, 295007 Simferopol, Crimea.
Abstract:
Macrosiphoniella sanborni is a widespread pest of Chrysanthemum morifolium that causes significant damage to world floriculture. Chemical insecticides and biological methods of control have a number of disadvantages that can be improved by using oligonucleotide insecticides. In this article, we present, for the first time, the results of using oligonucleotide insecticides, for which the target sequence is an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) in a polycistronic rRNA transcript. The mortality of wingless aphid individuals after a Macsan-11 treatment was recorded at a level of 67.15 ± 3.32% 7 days after a single treatment with a solution at a concentration of 100 ng/μL and 97.38 ± 2.49% 7 days after a double treatment with a solution of the same concentration and a daily interval. The contact use of the control oligonucleotide (ACTG)2ACT-11. as well as the oligonucleotide insecticides Macsan-11(3') and Macsan-11(5') was not accompanied by insect mortality. Given the high variability in the internal transcribed spacer, which has proven to be a promising target for the action of oligonucleotide insecticides, it is possible to create selective preparations. This study showed the prospects of ribosomal insect pest genes as targets for the action of olinscides, and also demonstrated the high specificity of such insecticidal agents.
Insights
Oligonucleotide insecticides targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal RNA effectively controlled the chrysanthemum aphid, Macrosiphonia sanborni. This novel approach shows promise for developing selective and effective pest control agents.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Molecular Biology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Macrosiphonia sanborni is a significant pest of Chrysanthemum morifolium, impacting global floriculture.
- Existing chemical and biological control methods have limitations.
- Oligonucleotide insecticides offer a potential alternative with improved characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of oligonucleotide insecticides targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal RNA in Macrosiphonia sanborni.
- To assess the specificity and potential for selective pest control using this novel method.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized and applied oligonucleotide insecticides (Macsan-11) targeting the ITS region of rRNA in Macrosiphonia sanborni.
- Tested single and double treatment regimens at a concentration of 100 ng/μL.
- Utilized a control oligonucleotide (ACTG)2ACT-11 and variations of Macsan-11 (3' and 5') to assess specificity.
Main Results:
- A single treatment with Macsan-11 resulted in 67.15% aphid mortality after 7 days.
- A double treatment with Macsan-11 achieved 97.38% mortality after 7 days.
- Control oligonucleotides and Macsan-11 variations did not cause significant mortality, indicating high specificity.
Conclusions:
- The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) is a viable and promising target for oligonucleotide insecticide action.
- Oligonucleotide insecticides targeting ribosomal insect pest genes demonstrate high specificity and potential for selective pest control.
- This study highlights the prospects of ribosomal genes as targets for novel insecticidal agents.
