1
|
Dong Y, Zhang Q, Mao Y, Wu M, Wang Z, Chang L, Zhang J. Control of two insect pests by expression of a mismatch corrected double-stranded RNA in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:2010-2019. [PMID: 38426894 PMCID: PMC11182576 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an efficient technology for pest control by silencing the essential genes of targeted insects. Owing to its nucleotide sequence-guided working mechanism, RNAi has a high degree of species-specificity without impacts on non-target organisms. However, as plants are inevitably under threat by two or more insect pests in nature, the species-specific mode of RNAi-based technology restricts its wide application for pest control. In this study, we artificially designed an intermediate dsRNA (iACT) targeting two β-Actin (ACT) genes of sap-sucking pests Bemisia tabaci and Myzus persicae by mutual correction of their mismatches. When expressing hairpin iACT (hpiACT) from tobacco nuclear genome, transgenic plants are well protected from both B. tabaci and M. persicae, either individually or simultaneously, as evidenced by reduced fecundity and suppressed ACT gene expression, whereas expression of hpRNA targeting BtACT or MpACT in transgenic tobacco plants could only confer specific resistance to either B. tabaci or M. persicae, respectively. In sum, our data provide a novel proof-of-concept that two different insect species could be simultaneously controlled by artificial synthesis of dsRNA with sequence optimization, which expands the range of transgenic RNAi methods for crop protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yarou Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zican Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wei J, Liu X, Li C, Yang Y, Song C, Chen Y, Ciren Q, Jiang C, Li Q. Identification and Characterization of Hibiscus mutabilis Varieties Resistant to Bemisia tabaci and Their Resistance Mechanisms. INSECTS 2024; 15:454. [PMID: 38921168 PMCID: PMC11203673 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Hibiscus mutabilis, the city flower of Chengdu, is culturally significant and has nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, frequent infestations of Bemisia tabaci have caused economic losses. This study aimed to identify insect-resistant H. mutabilis varieties. Over two years, varieties like Jinqiusong, Zuiyun, and Zuifurong showed moderate to high resistance based on reproductive indices. Assessments of antixenosis and developmental impacts revealed that adult B. tabaci exhibited low selectivity toward these resistant varieties, indicating a strong repellent effect. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified volatile organic compounds, such as alcohols, alkanes, and terpenes. Notably, 2-ethylhexanol and 6-methylheptanol exhibited repellent properties. Using nontargeted metabolomics, this study compared the metabolite profiles of the insect-resistant variety Jinqiusong (JQS), moderately resistant Bairihuacai (BRHC), and highly susceptible Chongbanbai (CBB) post B. tabaci infestation. Fifteen key metabolites were linked to resistance, emphasizing the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway as crucial in defense. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for breeding insect-resistant H. mutabilis varieties and developing eco-friendly strategies against B. tabaci infestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wei
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Chengdu Botanical Garden (Chengdu Park Urban Plant Science Research Institute), Chengdu 610083, China; (X.L.)
| | - Chan Li
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Yuanzhao Yang
- Chengdu Botanical Garden (Chengdu Park Urban Plant Science Research Institute), Chengdu 610083, China; (X.L.)
| | - Cancan Song
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Yihao Chen
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Qiongda Ciren
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Chunxian Jiang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Qing Li
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.W.); (C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chaudhary V, Kumar M, Chauhan C, Sirohi U, Srivastav AL, Rani L. Strategies for mitigation of pesticides from the environment through alternative approaches: A review of recent developments and future prospects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120326. [PMID: 38387349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Chemical-based peticides are having negative impacts on both the healths of human beings and plants as well. The World Health Organisation (WHO), reported that each year, >25 million individuals in poor nations are having acute pesticide poisoning cases along with 20,000 fatal injuries at global level. Normally, only ∼0.1% of the pesticide reaches to the intended targets, and rest amount is expected to come into the food chain/environment for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce the amounts of pesticides present in the soil. Physical or chemical treatments are either expensive or incapable to do so. Hence, pesticide detoxification can be achieved through bioremediation/biotechnologies, including nano-based methodologies, integrated approaches etc. These are relatively affordable, efficient and environmentally sound methods. Therefore, alternate strategies like as advanced biotechnological tools like as CRISPR Cas system, RNAi and genetic engineering for development of insects and pest resistant plants which are directly involved in the development of disease- and pest-resistant plants and indirectly reduce the use of pesticides. Omics tools and multi omics approaches like metagenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics for the efficient functional gene mining and their validation for bioremediation of pesticides also discussed from the literatures. Overall, the review focuses on the most recent advancements in bioremediation methods to lessen the effects of pesticides along with the role of microorganisms in pesticides elimination. Further, pesticide detection is also a big challenge which can be done by using HPLC, GC, SERS, and LSPR ELISA etc. which have also been described in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veena Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, Meerut College, Meerut, Uttar-Pradesh, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Floriculture and Landscaping Architecture, College of Horticulture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chetan Chauhan
- Department of Floriculture and Landscaping Architecture, College of Horticulture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ujjwal Sirohi
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Arun Lal Srivastav
- Chitkara University School of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India.
| | - Lata Rani
- Chitkara School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Keppanan R, Karuppannasamy A, Nagaraja BC, Thiruvengadam V, Kesavan S, Dhawane YA, Ramasamy A. Effectiveness of chitosan nanohydrogel mediated encapsulation of EcR dsRNA against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Asia-I (Gennedius) (Hemiptera: Aleyordidae). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 198:105712. [PMID: 38225070 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Bemisia tabaci is a global invasive pest causing substantial loss on several economically important crops and has developed a very high level of resistance to insecticides making current management practices ineffective. Thus, the novel pest management strategy like RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potential molecular tool in the management of insect pests particularly B. tabaci. The present study investigated RNAi mediated silencing of the Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) gene in B. tabaci Asia-I using biodegradable Chitosan Nanoparticles (CNPs) hydrogel containing EcR dsRNA. The formation of nanohydrogel and dsRNA loading were characterized by gel retardation assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR). The stability of CNPs/dsRNA was assessed by exposure to direct sunlight and UV light for different time periods. The CNPs/dsRNA exhibited increased stability over the untreated control and further confirmed by bioassay studies which yielded mortality over 80% and effectively down regulated the expression of the EcR gene as confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. These investigations provide potential avenues for advancing innovative pest management strategies using biopolymer CNPs hydrogel, which can enhance the efficiency of dsRNA as a safe and targeted solution in the management of whiteflies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravindran Keppanan
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India
| | - Ashok Karuppannasamy
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, Tamil Nadu, India; Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India.
| | - Bhargava Chikmagalur Nagaraja
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India; University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Subaharan Kesavan
- ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru 560024, Karnataka, India
| | - Yogi Arun Dhawane
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India
| | - Asokan Ramasamy
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li D, Li HY, Zhang JR, Wu YJ, Zhao SX, Liu SS, Pan LL. Plant resistance against whitefly and its engineering. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1232735. [PMID: 37711302 PMCID: PMC10498545 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1232735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Plants face constant threats from insect herbivores, which limit plant distribution and abundance in nature and crop productivity in agricultural ecosystems. In recent decades, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a group of phloem-feeding insects, has emerged as pests of global significance. In this article, we summarize current knowledge on plant defenses against whitefly and approaches to engineer plant resistance to whitefly. Physically, plants deploy trichome and acylsugar-based strategies to restrain nutrient extraction by whitefly. Chemically, toxic secondary metabolites such as terpenoids confer resistance against whitefly in plants. Moreover, the jasmonate (JA) signaling pathway seems to be the major regulator of whitefly resistance in many plants. We next review advances in interfering with whitefly-plant interface by engineering of plant resistance using conventional and biotechnology-based breeding. These breeding programs have yielded many plant lines with high resistance against whitefly, which hold promises for whitefly control in the field. Finally, we conclude with an outlook on several issues of particular relevance to the nature and engineering of plant resistance against whitefly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Heng-Yu Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Ru Zhang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Jie Wu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Xing Zhao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Liu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Long Pan
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The Rural Development Academy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu H, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Peng J, Gao Y, Li K, Chen J, Du J, Yan S, Zhang D, Zhou X, Shi X, Liu Y. Effects of insulin-like peptide 7 in Bemisia tabaci MED on tomato chlorosis virus transmission. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1508-1517. [PMID: 36533303 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is a semi-persistent plant virus that is primarily transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). It causes a serious disease that lowers tomato yield. Insulin-like peptide (ILP), an insulin homolog, regulates trehalose metabolism in a variety of insects. In a previous study, we discovered that trehalose metabolism is required for whiteflies to transmit ToCV effectively. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing revealed that the BtILP7 gene was highly expressed in B. tabaci infected with ToCV. Therefore, the whitefly ILP7 gene may facilitate the transmission of ToCV and be an attractive target for the control of whiteflies and subsequently ToCV. RESULTS The ToCV content in B. tabaci MED was found to be correlated with BtILP7 gene expression. Subsequent RNA interference (RNAi) of the BtILP7 gene had a significant impact on B. tabaci MED's trehalose metabolism and reproductive capacity, as well as ability to transmit ToCV. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the BtILP7 gene was closely related to ToCV transmission by regulating trehalose metabolism and reproduction behavior, thus providing a secure and environmentally friendly management strategy for the control of whiteflies and ToCV-caused disease. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- HuiNan Xu
- Longping Branch, School of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - ZhanHong Zhang
- Institute of Vegetable, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - KaiLong Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jianbin Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jiao Du
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Shuo Yan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - DeYong Zhang
- Longping Branch, School of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - XuGuo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - XiaoBin Shi
- Longping Branch, School of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Longping Branch, School of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu W, Zhang M, Li Y, He W, Li S, Zhang J. Complete protection from Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata by expressing long double-stranded RNAs in potato plastids. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 65:1003-1011. [PMID: 36382860 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful technology for pest management. Previously, we have shown that plastid-mediated RNAi (PM-RNAi) can be utilized to control the Colorado potato beetle, an insect pest in the Chrysomelidae family; however, whether this technology is suitable for controlling pests in the Coccinellidae remained unknown. The coccinellid 28-spotted potato ladybird (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata; HV) is a serious pest of solanaceous crops. In this study, we identified three efficient target genes (β-Actin, SRP54, and SNAP) for RNAi using in vitro double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) fed to HV, and found that dsRNAs targeting β-Actin messenger RNA (dsACT) induced more potent RNAi than those targeting the other two genes. We next generated transplastomic and nuclear transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants expressing HV dsACT. Long dsACT stably accumulated to up to 0.7% of the total cellular RNA in the transplastomic plants, at least three orders of magnitude higher than in the nuclear transgenic plants. Notably, the transplastomic plants also exhibited a significantly stronger resistance to HV, killing all larvae within 6 d. Our data demonstrate the potential of PM-RNAi as an efficient pest control measure for HV, extending the application range of this technology to Coccinellidae pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Yangcun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Wanwan He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu M, Zhang Q, Dong Y, Wang Z, Zhan W, Ke Z, Li S, He L, Ruf S, Bock R, Zhang J. Transplastomic tomatoes expressing double-stranded RNA against a conserved gene are efficiently protected from multiple spider mites. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:1363-1373. [PMID: 36328788 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Spider mites are serious pests and have evolved significant resistance to many chemical pesticides, thus making their control challenging. Several insect pests can be combated by plastid-mediated RNA interference (PM-RNAi), but whether PM-RNAi can be utilized to control noninsect pests is unknown. Here, we show that three species of spider mites (Tetranychus evansi, Tetranychus truncatus, and Tetranychus cinnabarinus) take up plastid RNA upon feeding. We generated transplastomic tomato plants expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeted against a conserved region of the spider mite β-Actin mRNA. Transplastomic plants exhibited high levels of resistance to all three spider mite species, as evidenced by increased mortality and suppression of target gene expression. Notably, transplastomic plants induced a more robust RNAi response, caused higher mortality, and were overall better protected from spider mites than dsRNA-expressing nuclear transgenic plants. Our data demonstrate the potential of PM-RNAi as an efficient pest control measure for spider mites and extend the application range of the technology to noninsect pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Zican Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Wenqin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Zebin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Lin He
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Stephanie Ruf
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Ralph Bock
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Barathi S, Sabapathi N, Aruljothi KN, Lee JH, Shim JJ, Lee J. Regulatory Small RNAs for a Sustained Eco-Agriculture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021041. [PMID: 36674558 PMCID: PMC9863784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small RNA (sRNA) has become an alternate biotechnology tool for sustaining eco-agriculture by enhancing plant solidity and managing environmental hazards over traditional methods. Plants synthesize a variety of sRNA to silence the crucial genes of pests or plant immune inhibitory proteins and counter adverse environmental conditions. These sRNAs can be cultivated using biotechnological methods to apply directly or through bacterial systems to counter the biotic stress. On the other hand, through synthesizing sRNAs, microbial networks indicate toxic elements in the environment, which can be used effectively in environmental monitoring and management. Moreover, microbes possess sRNAs that enhance the degradation of xenobiotics and maintain bio-geo-cycles locally. Selective bacterial and plant sRNA systems can work symbiotically to establish a sustained eco-agriculture system. An sRNA-mediated approach is becoming a greener tool to replace xenobiotic pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical remediation elements. The review focused on the applications of sRNA in both sustained agriculture and bioremediation. It also discusses limitations and recommends various approaches toward future improvements for a sustained eco-agriculture system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Barathi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Nadana Sabapathi
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Kandasamy Nagarajan Aruljothi
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603 203, India
- Correspondence: (K.N.A.); (J.L.); Tel.: +91-995-235-8239 (K.N.A.); +82-53-810-2533 (J.L.); Fax: +82-53-810-4631 (J.L.)
| | - Jin-Hyung Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Shim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (K.N.A.); (J.L.); Tel.: +91-995-235-8239 (K.N.A.); +82-53-810-2533 (J.L.); Fax: +82-53-810-4631 (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mahmood MA, Awan MJA, Mansoor S. BioClay: next-generation crop protection strategy. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:1090-1092. [PMID: 35981953 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Whitefly and the viruses they transmit pose a serious threat to crops globally. Recently, Jain et al. showed that BioClay-mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) spray provides an eco-friendly approach to controlling whitefly. This 'transgene-free next-generation' insect-specific crop protection strategy may help to reduce the use of chemical pesticides for controlling whitefly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arslan Mahmood
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jawad Akbar Awan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Mansoor
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fatty acyl-CoA reductase influences wax biosynthesis in the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1108. [PMID: 36261606 PMCID: PMC9582030 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mealybugs are highly aggressive to a diversity of plants. The waxy layer covering the outermost part of the integument is an important protective defense of these pests. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying wax biosynthesis in mealybugs remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed multi-omics data on wax biosynthesis by the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and found that a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) gene, which was highly expressed in the fat bodies of female mealybugs, contributed to wax biosynthesis by regulating the production of the dominant chemical components of wax, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). RNA interference (RNAi) against PsFAR by dsRNA microinjection and allowing mealybugs to feed on transgenic tobacco expressing target dsRNA resulted in a reduction of CHC contents in the waxy layer, and an increase in mealybug mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments. In conclusion, PsFAR plays crucial roles in the wax biosynthesis of mealybugs, thereby contributing to their adaptation to water loss and insecticide stress. The role of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) in wax biosynthesis of cotton mealybug is investigated, RNAi against PsFAR resulted in insects with lower generation of waxy filaments and higher mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments.
Collapse
|
12
|
Li X, Liu X, Lu W, Yin X, An S. Application progress of plant-mediated RNAi in pest control. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:963026. [PMID: 36003536 PMCID: PMC9393288 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.963026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides are novel biologic products, developed using RNAi principles. They are engineered to target genes of agricultural diseases, insects, and weeds, interfering with their target gene expression so as to hinder their growth and alleviate their damaging effects on crops. RNAi-based biopesticides are broadly classified into resistant plant-based plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) and non-plant-incorporated protectants. PIP RNAi-based biopesticides are novel biopesticides that combine the advantages of RNAi and resistant transgenic crops. Such RNAi-based biopesticides are developed through nuclear or plastid transformation to breed resistant plants, i.e., dsRNA-expressing transgenic plants. The dsRNA of target genes is expressed in the plant cell, with pest and disease control being achieved through plant-target organism interactions. Here, we review the action mechanism and strategies of RNAi for pest management, the development of RNAi-based transgenic plant, and the current status and advantages of deploying these products for pest control, as well as the future research directions and problems in production and commercialization. Overall, this study aims to elucidate the current development status of RNAi-based biopesticides and provide guidelines for future research.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dong Y, Wu M, Zhang Q, Fu J, Loiacono FV, Yang Y, Wang Z, Li S, Chang L, Bock R, Zhang J. Control of a sap-sucking insect pest by plastid-mediated RNA interference. MOLECULAR PLANT 2022; 15:1176-1191. [PMID: 35619559 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Expression of double-stranded RNAs in plastids offers great potential for the efficient control of chewing insects. However, many insect pests do not consume plant tissue but rather feed on the host plant by sucking sap from the vascular system. Whether or not plastid-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) can be employed to control sap-sucking insects is unknown. Here, we show that five species of sap-sucking hemipteran insects acquire plastid RNA upon feeding on plants. We generated both nuclear transgenic and transplastomic tobacco plants expressing double-stranded RNAs targeting the MpDhc64C gene, a newly identified efficient target gene of RNAi whose silencing causes lethality to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae. In a whole-plant bioassay, transplastomic plants exhibited significant resistance to aphids, as evidenced by reduced insect survival, impaired fecundity, and decreased weight of survivors. The protective effect was comparable with that conferred by the best-performing nuclear transgenic plants. We found that the proportion of aphids on mature leaves of transplastomic plants was significantly lower compared with that of nuclear transgenic plants. When aphids were allowed to infest only the mature leaves, transplastomic plants grew significantly faster and were overall better protected from the pest compared with nuclear transgenic plants. When monitored by electrical-penetration-graph analyses and aphid avoidance response experiments, the insects displayed remarkable alterations in feeding behavior, which was different in nuclear transgenic and transplastomic plants, likely reflecting specific avoidance strategies to toxic RNA molecules. Taken together, our study demonstrates that plastid-mediated RNAi provides an efficient strategy for controlling at least some sap-sucking insect pests, even though there is most likely no or only very little chloroplast RNA in the sap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jinqiu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - F Vanessa Loiacono
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Yong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zican Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ralph Bock
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kumari P, Jasrotia P, Kumar D, Kashyap PL, Kumar S, Mishra CN, Kumar S, Singh GP. Biotechnological Approaches for Host Plant Resistance to Insect Pests. Front Genet 2022; 13:914029. [PMID: 35719377 PMCID: PMC9201757 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.914029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Annually, the cost of insect pest control in agriculture crosses billions of dollars around the world. Until recently, broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides were considered as the most effective means of pest control in agriculture. However, over the years, the overreliance on pesticides has caused adverse effects on beneficial insects, human health and the environment, and has led to the development of pesticide resistant insects. There is a critical need for the development of alternative pest management strategies aiming for minimum use of pesticides and conservation of natural enemies for maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. Host plant resistance plays a vital role in integrated pest management but the development of insect-resistant varieties through conventional ways of host plant resistance takes time, and is challenging as it involves many quantitative traits positioned at various loci. Biotechnological approaches such as gene editing, gene transformation, marker-assisted selection etc. in this direction have recently opened up a new era of insect control options. These could contribute towards about exploring a much wider array of novel insecticidal genes that would otherwise be beyond the scope of conventional breeding. Biotechnological interventions can alter the gene expression level and pattern as well as the development of transgenic varieties with insecticidal genes and can improve pest management by providing access to novel molecules. This review will discuss the emerging biotechnological tools available to develop insect-resistant engineered crop genotypes with a better ability to resist the attack of insect pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Kumari
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
- CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
| | - Poonam Jasrotia
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
| | - Prem Lal Kashyap
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | | | - Sudheer Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wu M, Dong Y, Zhang Q, Li S, Chang L, Loiacono FV, Ruf S, Zhang J, Bock R. Efficient control of western flower thrips by plastid-mediated RNA interference. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120081119. [PMID: 35380896 PMCID: PMC9169809 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastid-mediated RNA interference (PM-RNAi) has emerged as a promising strategy for pest control. Expression from the plastid genome of stable double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeted against essential insect genes can effectively control some herbivorous beetles, but little is known about the efficacy of the transplastomic approach in other groups of pest insects, especially nonchewing insects that do not consume large amounts of leaf material. Here we have investigated the susceptibility of the western flower thrip (WFT, Frankliniella occidentalis), a notorious pest in greenhouses and open fields, to PM-RNAi. We show that WFTs ingest chloroplasts and take up plastid-expressed dsRNAs. We generated a series of transplastomic tobacco plants expressing dsRNAs and hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs) targeted against four essential WFT genes. Unexpectedly, we discovered plastid genome instability in transplastomic plants expressing hpRNAs, suggesting that dsRNA cassettes are preferable over hpRNA cassettes when designing PM-RNAi strategies. Feeding studies revealed that, unlike nuclear transgenic plants, transplastomic plants induced a potent RNAi response in WFTs, causing efficient suppression of the targeted genes and high insect mortality. Our study extends the application range of PM-RNAi technology to an important group of nonchewing insects, reveals design principles for the construction of dsRNA-expressing transplastomic plants, and provides an efficient approach to control one of the toughest insect pests in agriculture and horticulture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Yi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - F. Vanessa Loiacono
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Stephanie Ruf
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ralph Bock
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
- Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department III, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Plastid Transformation of Micro-Tom Tomato with a Hemipteran Double-Stranded RNA Results in RNA Interference in Multiple Insect Species. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073918. [PMID: 35409279 PMCID: PMC8999928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) holds great promise for insect pest control, as plants can be transformed to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to selectively down-regulate insect genes essential for survival. For optimum potency, dsRNA can be produced in plant plastids, enabling the accumulation of unprocessed dsRNAs. However, the relative effectiveness of this strategy in inducing an RNAi response in insects using different feeding mechanisms is understudied. To investigate this, we first tested an in vitro-synthesized 189 bp dsRNA matching a highly conserved region of the v-ATPaseA gene from cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) on three insect species from two different orders that use leaf-chewing, lacerate-and-flush, or sap-sucking mechanisms to feed, and showed that the dsRNA significantly down-regulated the target gene. We then developed transplastomic Micro-tom tomato plants to produce the dsRNA in plant plastids and showed that the dsRNA is produced in leaf, flower, green fruit, red fruit, and roots, with the highest dsRNA levels found in the leaf. The plastid-produced dsRNA induced a significant gene down-regulation in insects using leaf-chewing and lacerate-and-flush feeding mechanisms, while sap-sucking insects were unaffected. Our results suggest that plastid-produced dsRNA can be used to control leaf-chewing and lacerate-and-flush feeding insects, but may not be useful for sap-sucking insects.
Collapse
|
17
|
Mateos Fernández R, Petek M, Gerasymenko I, Juteršek M, Baebler Š, Kallam K, Moreno Giménez E, Gondolf J, Nordmann A, Gruden K, Orzaez D, Patron NJ. Insect pest management in the age of synthetic biology. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:25-36. [PMID: 34416790 PMCID: PMC8710903 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod crop pests are responsible for 20% of global annual crop losses, a figure predicted to increase in a changing climate where the ranges of numerous species are projected to expand. At the same time, many insect species are beneficial, acting as pollinators and predators of pest species. For thousands of years, humans have used increasingly sophisticated chemical formulations to control insect pests but, as the scale of agriculture expanded to meet the needs of the global population, concerns about the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity have grown. While biological solutions, such as biological control agents and pheromones, have previously had relatively minor roles in pest management, biotechnology has opened the door to numerous new approaches for controlling insect pests. In this review, we look at how advances in synthetic biology and biotechnology are providing new options for pest control. We discuss emerging technologies for engineering resistant crops and insect populations and examine advances in biomanufacturing that are enabling the production of new products for pest control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marko Petek
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Iryna Gerasymenko
- Plant Biotechnology and Metabolic EngineeringTechnische Universität DarmstadtDarmstadtGermany
| | - Mojca Juteršek
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate SchoolLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Špela Baebler
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
| | | | | | - Janine Gondolf
- Institut für PhilosophieTechnische Universität DarmstadtDarmstadtGermany
| | - Alfred Nordmann
- Institut für PhilosophieTechnische Universität DarmstadtDarmstadtGermany
| | - Kristina Gruden
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems BiologyNational Institute of BiologyLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Diego Orzaez
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMCP)UPV‐CSICValenciaSpain
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lu D, Yue H, Huang L, Zhang D, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Li F, Yan F, Zhou X, Shi X, Liu Y. Suppression of Bta11975, an α-glucosidase, by RNA interference reduces transmission of tomato chlorosis virus by Bemisia tabaci. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:5294-5303. [PMID: 34310017 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is mainly vectored by Bemisia tabaci in China, which has a worldwide distribution, and greatly reduces the yields of tomato and other vegetables. At present, control of ToCV has been focused mainly by the use of insecticides to control whitefly populations. Transcriptome sequencing showed high expression of the B. tabaci Bta11975 gene, an α-glucosidase (AGLU) during ToCV acquisition by whitefly Mediterranean (MED) species. To investigate the role of Bta11975 gene in ToCV acquisition and transmission by B. tabaci MED, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce the expression of the Bta11975 gene. RESULTS The relative expression of the Bta11975 gene was correlated with the ToCV content in B. tabaci. The AGLU is highly expressed in primary salivary gland and gut. After the Bta11975 gene was silenced, the gene expression of B. tabaci was reduced and B. tabaci mortality was increased. Besides, ToCV acquisition by B. tabaci at 48 and 72 h AAP was reduced, and ToCV transmission was significantly reduced by 25 or 50 of B. tabaci. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that suppression of expression of the Bta11975 gene in B. tabaci MED by RNAi can reduce acquisition and transmission of ToCV by B. tabaci MED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- DingYiHui Lu
- Subcollege of Longping, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Yue
- Subcollege of Longping, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - LiPing Huang
- Subcollege of Longping, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - DeYong Zhang
- Subcollege of Longping, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - ZhanHong Zhang
- Institute of Vegetable, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Li
- College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - XuGuo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - XiaoBin Shi
- Subcollege of Longping, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Subcollege of Longping, Graduate School of Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ren B, Cao J, He Y, Yang S, Zhang J. Assessment on effects of transplastomic potato plants expressing Colorado potato beetle β-Actin double-stranded RNAs for three non-target pests. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 178:104909. [PMID: 34446185 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference has been proved as an efficient technology for pest control through the silencing of essential genes of targeted insects. We had previously shown that the expression of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in plastids of plants offers a great potential for efficiently controlling Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). However, whether these transplastomic plants have an impact on other non-target pests was not investigated. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects of transplastomic plants expression dsRNAs target CPB β-Actin (referred to as ACT plants) on three other potato pests: Myzus persicae (Hemiptera, Aphididae), Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), and Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). Although no effects on M. persicae or S. litura were observed by feeding ACT plants, we found that feeding H. vigintioctopunctata with ACT plants can result in its growth retardation and suppressing the gene expression of HvACT, which has 91.7% identity to CPB β-Actin and shared 66 potential 21-mer matches. Taking together, these results indicated that ACT plants had cross-resistance to H. vigintioctopunctata, another coleopteran insect with the highly conserved nucleotide sequence of β-Actin gene. It also provided an opportunity to simultaneously control L. decemlineata and H. vigintioctopunctata by RNAi induced by intermediate dsRNAs with optimized sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bailing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jingnan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yanqiu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Suhag A, Yadav H, Chaudhary D, Subramanian S, Jaiwal R, Jaiwal PK. Biotechnological interventions for the sustainable management of a global pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1228-1252. [PMID: 32696581 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are polyphagous invasive hemipteran insects that cause serious losses of important crops by directly feeding on phloem sap and transmitting pathogenic viruses. These insects have emerged as a major threat to global agriculture and food security. Chemically synthesized insecticides are currently the only option to control whiteflies, but the ability of whiteflies to evolve resistance against insecticides has made the management of these insects very difficult. Natural host-plant resistance against whiteflies identified in some crop plants has not been exploited to a great extent. Genetic engineering approaches, such as transgenics and RNA interference (RNAi), are potentially useful for the control of whiteflies. Transgenic plants harboring insecticidal toxins/lectins developed via nuclear or chloroplast transformation are a promising vehicle for whitefly control. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of several insect genes, delivered either through microinjection into the insect body cavity or orally via an artificial diet and transiently or stably expressed in transgenic plants, have controlled whiteflies in model plants and in some crops at the laboratory level, but not at the field level. In this review, we highlight the merits and demerits of each delivery method along with strategies for sustained delivery of dsRNAs via fungal entomopathogen/endosymbiont or nontransgenic RNAi approaches, foliar sprays, root absorption or nanocarriers as well as the factors affecting efficient RNAi and their biosafety issues. Genome sequencing and transcriptome studies of whitefly species are facilitating the selection of appropriate genes for RNAi and gene-editing technology for the efficient and resilient management of whiteflies and their transmitted viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archna Suhag
- Department of Zoology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | - Honey Yadav
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| | | | - S Subramanian
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Pawan K Jaiwal
- Centre for Biotechnology, M.D. University, Rohtak, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Devendran R, Kumar M, Ghosh D, Yogindran S, Karim MJ, Chakraborty S. Capsicum-infecting begomoviruses as global pathogens: host-virus interplay, pathogenesis, and management. Trends Microbiol 2021; 30:170-184. [PMID: 34215487 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Whitefly-transmitted begomoviruses are among the major threats to the cultivation of Capsicum spp. (Family: Solanaceae) worldwide. Capsicum-infecting begomoviruses (CIBs) have a broad host range and are commonly found in mixed infections, which, in turn, fuels the emergence of better-adapted species through intraspecies and interspecies recombination. Virus-encoded proteins hijack host factors to breach the well-coordinated antiviral response of plants. Epigenetic modifications of histones associated with viral minichromosomes play a critical role in this molecular arms race. Moreover, the association of DNA satellites further enhances the virulence of CIBs as the subviral agents aid the helper viruses to circumvent plant antiviral defense and facilitate expansion of their host range and disease development. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on various aspects of CIBs such as their emergence, epidemiology, mechanism of pathogenesis, and the management protocols being employed for combating them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ragunathan Devendran
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Dibyendu Ghosh
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Sneha Yogindran
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Mir Jishan Karim
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Supriya Chakraborty
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Saurabh S, Mishra M, Rai P, Pandey R, Singh J, Khare A, Jain M, Singh PK. Tiny Flies: A Mighty Pest That Threatens Agricultural Productivity-A Case for Next-Generation Control Strategies of Whiteflies. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12070585. [PMID: 34203297 PMCID: PMC8307429 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite being a pest of global importance, effective management of whiteflies by the implication of environmentally friendly approaches is still a far-reaching task. In this review, we have tried to bring the readers’ attention to next-generation control strategies such as RNA interference and genetic modifications of plants for the expression of anti-whitefly proteins. These strategies offer huge promise to provide an effective and sustainable solution to the problem of whiteflies, either in isolation or in combination with other widely used practices under the regimes of integrated pest management. Focus has also been given to advanced technologies such as nanotechnology and genome editing, with promising prospects for field applications. The importance, applicability, and demand of these technologies for the control of whiteflies have been highlighted. We have also attempted to present the holistic picture of challenges in the path of commercial application of these promising technologies. To underline the pest status of whiteflies concisely, we have enlisted all economically important species of the pest along with their host plants/crops across the world. A comprehensive list of various insecticides of chemical, microbial, and botanical origin, applied in the field for the control of sweetpotato whitefly along with their resistance status, ecotoxicities, and effects on biological control agents, has been provided for readers. Abstract Whiteflies are a group of universally occurring insects that are considered to be a serious pest in their own way for causing both direct and indirect damages to crops. A few of them serve as vectors of plant viruses that are detrimental to the crop in question and cause an actual loss in productivity. A lot of attention is focused on pest control measures under the umbrella of IPM. In this review, we attempt to summarize the existing literature on how and why whiteflies are a serious concern for agriculture and society. We reviewed why there could be a need for fresh insight into the ways and means with which the pest can be combated. Here, we have emphasized next-generation strategies based on macromolecules, i.e., RNA interference and genetic engineering (for the expression of anti-whitefly proteins), as these strategies possess the greatest scope for research and improvement in the future. Recent scientific efforts based on nanotechnology and genome editing, which seem to offer great potential for whitefly/crop pest control, have been discussed. Comprehensive apprehensions related to obstacles in the path of taking lab-ready technologies into the farmers’ field have also been highlighted. Although the use of RNAi, GM crops, nanotechnologies, for the control of whiteflies needs to be evaluated in the field, there is an emerging range of possible applications with promising prospects for the control of these tiny flies that are mighty pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharad Saurabh
- Insect Defense Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, 435, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.S.); (P.R.); (J.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Manisha Mishra
- Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; (M.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Preeti Rai
- Insect Defense Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, 435, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.S.); (P.R.); (J.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Rashmi Pandey
- Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; (M.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Jyoti Singh
- Insect Defense Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, 435, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.S.); (P.R.); (J.S.); (A.K.)
- CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Postal Staff College Area, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Akansha Khare
- Insect Defense Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, 435, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.S.); (P.R.); (J.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Meeta Jain
- School of Biochemistry, Khandwa Rd., D.A.V.V., Bhawarkuwa, DAVV Takshila Parisar, Indore 452001, Madhya Pradesh, India;
| | - Pradhyumna Kumar Singh
- Insect Defense Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, 435, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.S.); (P.R.); (J.S.); (A.K.)
- CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Postal Staff College Area, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-7080844111
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Silver K, Cooper AM, Zhu KY. Strategies for enhancing the efficiency of RNA interference in insects. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:2645-2658. [PMID: 33440063 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Low RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency in many insect pests has significantly prevented its widespread application for insect pest management. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research in developing various strategies for enhancing RNAi efficiency. Our review focuses on the strategies in target gene selection and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery technologies. For target gene selection, genome-wide or large-scale screening strategies have been used to identify most susceptible target genes for RNAi. Other strategies include the design of dsRNA constructs and manipulate the structure of dsRNA to maximize the RNA efficiency for a target gene. For dsRNA delivery strategies, much recent research has focused on the applications of complexed or encapsulated dsRNA using various reagents, polymers, or peptides to enhance dsRNA stability and cellular uptake. Other dsRNA delivery strategies include genetic engineering of microbes (e.g. fungi, bacteria, and viruses) and plants to produce insect-specific dsRNA. The ingestion of the dsRNA-producing organisms or tissues will have lethal or detrimental effects on the target insect pests. This article also identifies obstacles to further developing RNAi for insect pest management and suggests future avenues of research that will maximize the potential for using RNAi for insect pest management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher Silver
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | | | - Kun Yan Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rascón-Cruz Q, González-Barriga CD, Iglesias-Figueroa BF, Trejo-Muñoz JC, Siqueiros-Cendón T, Sinagawa-García SR, Arévalo-Gallegos S, Espinoza-Sánchez EA. Plastid transformation: Advances and challenges for its implementation in agricultural crops. ELECTRON J BIOTECHN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
|
25
|
Fu J, Xu W, Huang W, Wang B, Li S, Zhang J, Chang L. Importation of taxadiene synthase into chloroplast improves taxadiene production in tobacco. PLANTA 2021; 253:107. [PMID: 33866441 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-021-03626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Importation of taxadiene synthase into chloroplasts is important for the efficient heterologous production of taxadiene. Taxadiene, the first committed precursor to taxol, is synthesized from geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) by action of taxadiene synthase (TS). Heterologous production of taxadiene could potentially rely on both cytosolic mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway and the plastidic methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. We suggest the compartmentalized engineering in chloroplast as an efficient approach for taxadiene production. In this study, we directly introduced the TS gene from Taxus brevifolia into the tobacco chloroplast genome and found that the transplastomic plants accumulated a low content of taxadiene, ~ 5.6 μg/g dry weight (DW). Moreover, we tried a combination of MEP and MVA pathways for taxadiene synthesis by nuclear transformation with a truncated version of TS (without encoding a transit peptide) into the transplastomic plants. However, this did not further improve the taxadiene production. In contrast, we found that taxadiene could be produced up to 87.8 μg/g DW in leaves of transgenic plants expressing TS with a chloroplast transit peptide, which was significantly higher than that in leaves of transplastomic plants. Thus, this study highlights the importance of TS importation into chloroplast for production of taxadiene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Bipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chung SH, Feng H, Jander G. Engineering pest tolerance through plant-mediated RNA interference. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 60:102029. [PMID: 33639339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Expression of insect-targeted RNA interference (RNAi) constructs in transgenic plants is a promising approach for agricultural pest control. Compared to conventional chemical insecticides, RNAi target specificity is high and the potential for negative environmental effects is low. However, although numerous laboratory studies show insect growth inhibition by double stranded RNA or artificial microRNA, few of these constructs have been moved into commercial application as genetically engineered plants. Variation in RNA degradation, uptake, processing, and systemic transport in insects can influence interspecific and intraspecific differences in RNAi efficacy and the development of resistance to RNAi in agricultural settings. Further research is needed, both to identify optimal gene targets for efficient RNAi in pest species and to reduce the potential for off-target effects in beneficial species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Ho Chung
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Honglin Feng
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Georg Jander
- Boyce Thompson Institute, 533 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li S, Chang L, Zhang J. Advancing organelle genome transformation and editing for crop improvement. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 2:100141. [PMID: 33898977 PMCID: PMC8060728 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2021.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Plant cells contain three organelles that harbor DNA: the nucleus, plastids, and mitochondria. Plastid transformation has emerged as an attractive platform for the generation of transgenic plants, also referred to as transplastomic plants. Plastid genomes have been genetically engineered to improve crop yield, nutritional quality, and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as for recombinant protein production. Despite many promising proof-of-concept applications, transplastomic plants have not been commercialized to date. Sequence-specific nuclease technologies are widely used to precisely modify nuclear genomes, but these tools have not been applied to edit organelle genomes because the efficient homologous recombination system in plastids facilitates plastid genome editing. Unlike plastid transformation, successful genetic transformation of higher plant mitochondrial genome transformation was tested in several research group, but not successful to date. However, stepwise progress has been made in modifying mitochondrial genes and their transcripts, thus enabling the study of their functions. Here, we provide an overview of advances in organelle transformation and genome editing for crop improvement, and we discuss the bottlenecks and future development of these technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengchun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Ling Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Santos D, Remans S, Van den Brande S, Vanden Broeck J. RNAs on the Go: Extracellular Transfer in Insects with Promising Prospects for Pest Management. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:484. [PMID: 33806650 PMCID: PMC8001424 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA-mediated pathways form an important regulatory layer of myriad biological processes. In the last decade, the potential of RNA molecules to contribute to the control of agricultural pests has not been disregarded, specifically via the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism. In fact, several proofs-of-concept have been made in this scope. Furthermore, a novel research field regarding extracellular RNAs and RNA-based intercellular/interorganismal communication is booming. In this article, we review key discoveries concerning extracellular RNAs in insects, insect RNA-based cell-to-cell communication, and plant-insect transfer of RNA. In addition, we overview the molecular mechanisms implicated in this form of communication and discuss future biotechnological prospects, namely from the insect pest-control perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.R.); (S.V.d.B.); (J.V.B.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Shelby EA, Moss JB, Andreason SA, Simmons AM, Moore AJ, Moore PJ. Debugging: Strategies and Considerations for Efficient RNAi-Mediated Control of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci. INSECTS 2020; 11:E723. [PMID: 33105847 PMCID: PMC7690610 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a globally important pest that is difficult to control through insecticides, transgenic crops, and natural enemies. Post-transcriptional gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) has shown potential as a pest management strategy against B. tabaci. While genomic data and other resources are available to create highly effective customizable pest management strategies with RNAi, current applications do not capitalize on species-specific biology. This lack of specificity has the potential to have substantial ecological impacts. Here, we discuss both short- and long-term considerations for sustainable RNAi pest management strategies for B. tabaci, focusing on the need for species specificity incorporating both life history and population genetic considerations. We provide a conceptual framework for selecting sublethal target genes based on their involvement in physiological pathways, which has the greatest potential to ameliorate unintended negative consequences. We suggest that these considerations allow an integrated pest management approach, with fewer negative ecological impacts and reduced likelihood of the evolution of resistant populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Shelby
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.A.S.); (J.B.M.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Jeanette B. Moss
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.A.S.); (J.B.M.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Sharon A. Andreason
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Vegetable laboratory, Charleston, SC 29414, USA; (S.A.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Alvin M. Simmons
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Vegetable laboratory, Charleston, SC 29414, USA; (S.A.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Allen J. Moore
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.A.S.); (J.B.M.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Patricia J. Moore
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.A.S.); (J.B.M.); (A.J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|