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Updated: Sep 15, 2025
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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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Application of a dual-loop double-stranded RNA to control small brown planthopper
Panpan Ge1,2,3, Xiangyang Lu1,3, Wan Zhao1,3
1State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Insect Science
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Loop-ended dsRNA (LedRNA) shows promise as a novel biopesticide. This enhanced RNA molecule effectively controls the small brown planthopper (SBPH) via oral delivery, reducing pest survival and viral transmission.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Molecular Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a potential biopesticide but faces stability challenges in topical delivery.
- The small brown planthopper (SBPH) is a significant agricultural pest and vector insect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel loop-ended dsRNA (LedRNA) for controlling SBPH.
- To compare LedRNA's gene silencing ability against conventional dsRNA and hairpin dsRNA in SBPH.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized LedRNA targeting three SBPH genes: Flotillin2, TPS, and MDH.
- Tested gene silencing via microinjection, soaking, and oral delivery in SBPH.
- Assessed insect survival and viral transmission rates after LedRNA treatment.
Main Results:
- LedRNA demonstrated superior gene silencing in SBPH through oral feeding compared to other dsRNA formats.
- Oral delivery of LedRNA resulted in significant gene silencing (28-74%) and reduced SBPH survival.
- LedRNA treatment led to decreased viral transmission in rice plants.
Conclusions:
- LedRNA is a promising, stable dsRNA variant for developing effective RNA interference-based biopesticides.
- LedRNA offers a viable strategy for controlling SBPH and mitigating plant virus transmission.
