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Zarrabian M, Sherif SM. Silence is not always golden: A closer look at potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts of large-scale dsRNA application. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175311. [PMID: 39122031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175311] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in sustainable pest management, offering a targeted approach that significantly mitigates the environmental and health risks associated with traditional insecticides. Originally implemented through genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to produce specific RNAi constructs, the technology has evolved in response to public and regulatory concerns over GMOs. This evolution has spurred the development of non-transgenic RNAi applications such as spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which employs double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to silence pest genes directly without altering the plant's genetic makeup. Despite its advantages in specificity and reduced ecological footprint, SIGS faces significant obstacles, particularly the instability of dsRNA in field conditions, which limits its practical efficacy. To overcome these limitations, innovative delivery mechanisms have been developed. These include nanotechnology-based systems, minicells, and nanovesicles, which are designed to protect dsRNA from degradation and enhance its delivery to target organisms. While these advancements have improved the stability and application efficiency of dsRNA, comprehensive assessments of their environmental safety and the potential for increased exposure risks to non-target organisms remain incomplete. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the environmental fate of dsRNA and evaluate the potential risks associated with its widespread application on non-target organisms, encompassing soil microorganisms, beneficial insects, host plants, and mammals. The objective is to establish a more refined framework for RNAi risk assessment within environmental and ecotoxicological contexts, thereby fostering the development of safer, non-transgenic RNAi-based pest control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zarrabian
- Virginia Tech, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research, and Extension Center, Winchester, VA 22602, United States
| | - Sherif M Sherif
- Virginia Tech, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research, and Extension Center, Winchester, VA 22602, United States.
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2
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Nobre ICDS, Coelho RR, de Souza FMC, Reis MA, Torres JB, Antonino JD. Insights from different reproductive gene knockdowns via RNA interference in the lady beetle Eriopis connexa: Establishing a new model for molecular studies on natural enemies. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 116:e22125. [PMID: 38973236 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22125] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Insect pest control can be achieved by the application of RNA interference (RNAi), a key molecular tool in functional genomics. Whereas most RNAi research has focused on insect pests, few studies have been performed on natural enemies. Validating the efficacy of RNAi in natural enemies is crucial for assessing its safety and enabling molecular research on these organisms. Here, we assessed the efficacy of RNAi in the ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa Germar (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), focusing on genes related to reproduction, such as vitellogenin (Vg) and its receptor (VgR). In the transcriptome of E. connexa, we found one VgR (EcVgR) and two Vg genes (EcVg1 and EcVg2). These genes have been validated by in silico analyses of functional domains and evolutionary relationships. Five-day-old females were injected with 500 ng/µL of a specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) (dsEcVg1, dsEcVg2, or dsEcVgR) for RNAi tests, while nonspecific dsRNA (dsGFP or dsAgCE8.1) was used as a control. Interestingly, dsEcVg2 was able to knockdown both Vg genes, while dsEcVg1 could silence only EcVg1. Additionally, the viability of the eggs was significantly reduced when both Vg genes were knocked down at the same time (after treatment with dsEcVg2 or "dsEcVg1+dsEcVg2"). Ultimately, malformed, nonviable eggs were produced when EcVgR was silenced. Interestingly, no dsRNA treatment had an impact on the quantity of eggs laid. Therefore, the feasibility of RNAi in E. connexa has been confirmed, suggesting that this coccinellid is an excellent Neotropical model for molecular research on natural enemies and for studying RNAi nontarget effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Ramos Coelho
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Manoely Abreu Reis
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Jorge Braz Torres
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - José Dijair Antonino
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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3
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Dalakouras A, Koidou V, Papadopoulou K. DsRNA-based pesticides: Considerations for efficiency and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141530. [PMID: 38401868 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141530] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In view of the ongoing climate change and the ever-growing world population, novel agricultural solutions are required to ensure sustainable food supply. Microbials, natural substances, semiochemicals and double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are all considered potential low risk pesticides. DsRNAs function at the molecular level, targeting specific regions of specific genes of specific organisms, provided that they share a minimal sequence complementarity of approximately 20 nucleotides. Thus, dsRNAs may offer a great alternative to conventional chemicals in environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Any low-risk pesticide needs to be efficient and exhibit low toxicological potential and low environmental persistence. Having said that, in the current review, the mode of dsRNA action is explored and the parameters that need to be taken into consideration for the development of efficient dsRNA-based pesticides are highlighted. Moreover, since dsRNAs mode of action differs from those of synthetic pesticides, custom-made risk assessment schemes may be required and thus, critical issues related to the risk assessment of dsRNA pesticides are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Venetia Koidou
- ELGO-DIMITRA, Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Larissa, Greece; University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliope Papadopoulou
- University of Thessaly, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Larissa, Greece
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Hu J, Fu B, Liang J, Zhang R, Wei X, Yang J, Tan Q, Xue H, Gong P, Liu S, Huang M, Du T, Yin C, He C, Ji Y, Wang C, Zhang C, Du H, Su Q, Yang X, Zhang Y. CYP4CS5-mediated thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance is accompanied by fitness cost in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:910-921. [PMID: 37822143 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7826] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the trade-offs between insecticide resistance and the associated fitness is of particular importance to sustainable pest control. One of the most devastating pest worldwide, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, has developed resistance to various insecticides, especially the neonicotinoid group. Although neonicotinoid resistance often is conferred by P450s-mediated metabolic resistance, the relationship between such resistance and the associated fitness phenotype remains largely elusive. By gene cloning, quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR, RNA interference (RNAi), transgenic Drosophila melanogaster, metabolism capacity in vitro and 'two sex-age stage' life table study, this study aims to explore the molecular role of a P450 gene CYP4CS5 in neonicotinoid resistance and to investigate whether such resistance mechanism carries fitness costs in the whitefly. RESULTS Our bioassay tests showed that a total of 13 field-collected populations of B. tabaci MED biotype displayed low-to-moderate resistance to thiamethoxam and clothianidin. Compared to the laboratory susceptible strain, we then found that an important P450 CYP4CS5 was remarkably upregulated in the field resistant populations. Such overexpression of CYP4CS5 had a good match with the resistance level among the whitefly samples. Further exposure to the two neonicotinoids resulted in an increase in CYP4CS5 expression. These results implicate that overexpression of CYP4CS5 is closely correlated with thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance. RNAi knockdown of CYP4CS5 increased mortality of the resistant and susceptible populations after treatment with thiamethoxam and clothianidin in bioassay, but obtained an opposite result when using a transgenic line of D. melanogaster expressing CYP4CS5. Metabolic assays in vitro revealed that CYP4CS5 exhibited certain capacity of metabolizing thiamethoxam and clothianidin. These in vivo and in vitro assays indicate an essential role of CYP4CS5 in conferring thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance in whitefly. Additionally, our life-table analysis demonstrate that the field resistant whitefly exhibited a prolonged development time, shortened longevity and reduced fecundity compared to the susceptible, suggesting an existing fitness cost as a result of the resistance. CONCLUSION Collectively, in addition to the important role of CYP4CS5 in conferring thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance, this resistance mechanism is associated with fitness costs in the whitefly. These findings not only contribute to the development of neonicotinoids resistance management strategies, but also provide a new target for sustainable whitefly control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Hu
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Sustainable Crop Production in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Buli Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Tropical Crops, Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Jinjin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Sustainable Crop Production in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuegao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qimei Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peipan Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaonan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjiao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao He
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengjia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Du
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Su
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Sustainable Crop Production in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Hubei Engineering Technology Center for Forewarning and Management of Agricultural and Forestry Pests, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Bonina V, Arpaia S. The use of RNA interference for the management of arthropod pests in livestock farms. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:631-646. [PMID: 37401856 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Pest management in farm animals is an important action to contain economic damage to livestock production and prevent transmission of severe diseases to the stock. The use of chemical insecticides is still the most common approach followed by farmers; however, avoiding possible toxic effects on animals is a fundamental task for pest control measures compatible with animal well-being. Moreover, legal constraints and insurgence of resistance by target species to the available insecticidal compounds are increasingly complicating farmers' operations. Alternatives to chemical pesticides have been explored with some promising results in the area of biological control or the use of natural products as sprays. The application of RNA interference techniques has enabled the production of new means of pest control in agriculture, and it is opening a promising avenue for controlling arthropod pests of livestock. Transcript depletion of specific target genes of the recipient organisms is based on the action of double-strand RNAs (dsRNA) capable of impairing the production of fundamental proteins. Their mode of action, based on the specific recognition of short genomic sequences, is expected to be highly selective towards non-target organisms potentially exposed; in addition, there are physical and chemical barriers to dsRNA uptake by mammalian cells that render these products practically innocuous for higher animals. Summarising existing literature on gene silencing for main taxa of arthropod pests of livestock (Acarina, Diptera, Blattoidea), this review explores the perspectives of practical applications of dsRNA-based pesticides against the main pests of farm animals. Knowledge gaps are summarised to stimulate additional research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Bonina
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, TERIN-BBC Research Centre Trisaia, Rotondella, Matera, Italy
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6
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Liu J, Guo M, Nanda S, Li Z, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Yang C, Pan H. RNAi-based silencing of proteasome 20S subunit alpha 2 affected the survival and development of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 195:105547. [PMID: 37666590 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105547] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is a notorious pest of solanaceous plants in Asia, which is mainly managed by chemical pesticides. RNA interference (RNAi) technique is considered to be a promising and effective alternative for pest control. In this study, we selected the proteasome 20S subunit alpha 2 (Prosα2) gene, a cellular protein involved in many proteins regulatory processes, to explore the RNAi efficiency in H. vigintioctopunctata. The obtained results confirmed the significant lethal effects of HvProsα2 silencing on the H. vigintioctopunctata 1st instar larvae at concentrations of 100, 50, and 5 ng/μL. Ingestion of the bacterially expressed dsHvProsα2 caused high mortality in both larvae and adults. Moreover, silencing of HvProsα2 resulted in feeding disorders, growth delay, and abnormal intestinal development of the larvae. Overall, HvProsα2 acts as an important regulator for the growth and development of H. vigintioctopunctata, and can serve as a candidate target gene for the RNAi-based control of H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junna Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Mujuan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi 761200, India
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546, USA
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Huipeng Pan
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Guo M, Gao R, Nanda S, Li Y, Guo C, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Yang C, Pan H. RNAi assays in the striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata) suggest Psγ-COPI and PsArf1COPI as potential molecular targets for pest control. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:105428. [PMID: 37248006 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius), commonly known as the striped flea beetle (SFB), is a notorious insect pest that attacks Brassicaceae plants worldwide, leading to tremendous economic losses. RNA interference (RNAi) has been proposed as a promising strategy for sustainable and eco-friendly pest control. In this study, a total of nine housekeeping genes including PsVATPA, PsHSP90, PsEF1A, PsRPL6, PsRPS24, PsActin, PsTUBA, PsRPS18, and PsRPL4 were evaluated under four different conditions (organization, population, sex, and RNAi). PsEF1A and PsVATPA were identified as the best reference genes for RNAi bioassay. Furthermore, a total of 24 target genes were selected to investigate their RNAi effects in SFB adults with double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), five of them showed significant mortality (28.00% to 70.00%), namely Psα-COPI, Psβ-COPI, PsRPS18, Psγ-COPI, and PsArf1COPI. We found that gene transcript levels of the two most lethal genes, Psγ-COPI and PsArf1COPI, were significantly decreased after treated with the target dsRNAs either by feeding or injection method. The findings from this study demonstrated that the introduction of dsRNAs via oral feedings or injection induces the RNAi-mediated silencing of target genes and can lead to insect mortality. Overall, the identified target genes can be explored in developing RNAi-based insecticides for SFB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujuan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ran Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, 761200, India
| | - Yingqiu Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Changfei Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 40546, USA
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Huipeng Pan
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Zhou Q, Han L, Li Y, Li J, Yang X. Neutral Dietary Effects of Two MicroRNAs, Csu-Novel-260 and Csu-Mir-14, on the Non-Target Arthropod Folsomia candida. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1885. [PMID: 37176942 PMCID: PMC10181208 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) that is triggered by small or short RNAs has shown enormous potential in the development of pest control strategies. Two microRNAs (miRNAs), Csu-novel-260 and Csu-miR-14, were used in insect-resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) rice lines to confer resistance to Chilo suppressalis. However, a risk assessment of RNAi-based products is essential to determine the safety of a biopesticide or IRGE crop for commercialization. The non-target organism Folsomia candida, which plays an important ecological role as a soil decomposer in agricultural ecosystems, was used to assess the risk of miRNAs Csu-novel-260 and Csu-miR-14. In this study, a dietary miRNA toxicity assay system was established in F. candida. The expression levels of target genes, survival rate, fecundity and body size were investigated to evaluate the effects of the miRNAs on F. candida under the worst-case scenario. The results showed that the dietary miRNA toxicity assay system could be used for risk assessment of miRNA in F. candida. The target genes of miRNAs were influenced by miRNA at some time points. However, no significant differences were observed in the life-table parameters in F. candida fed with a diet containing miRNAs. The dietary effects of two miRNAs on F. candida are neutral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinli Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lanzhi Han
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Life Sciences and College of Agriculture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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9
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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.
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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
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10
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Wang X, Faucher J, Dhandapani RK, Duan JJ, Palli SR. Potential effects of RNA interference of Asian longhorned beetle on its parasitoid. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1557-1565. [PMID: 36529841 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7328] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to understand how non-target insects such as parasitoids may be impacted directly or indirectly by RNA interference with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that has emerged as a novel pest control tool. We examined the potential effects of a dsRNA targeting an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) of the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis on its gregarious larval ectoparasitoid Ontsira mellipes, directly on adult wasp's survival via injection of 4 μg of dsIAP per wasp, and indirectly on the detectability and suitability of host larvae injected with 2, 4 or 8 μg of dsIAP per larva. RESULTS Compared with no injection or injection with a control dsGFP targeting a region of gene coding for a green fluorescence protein (GFP), dsIAP did not affect adult wasp's survival. Ontsira mellipes locates hosts in the wood by sensing their movement. Host larvae did not completely cease movement after the injection of dsIAP and were still detected and parasitized. Clutch size was reduced and only 3.8% of the parasitoid offspring developed into adults on host larvae treated at the highest dose. However, clutch size was not affected and 25.5% of the parasitoid offspring developed into adults on host larvae treated at the lowest dose. The fitness of developed wasps (development time, sex ratio, body size, and fecundity) was not affected when compared to the control treatments. No dsIAP was detected in parasitoid larvae. CONCLUSION The results show no direct effect of the dsRNA on its parasitoid, but the potential indirect effect of dsRNA-affected host on the parasitoid, which may be minimized through optimizing dsRNA dosage to promote compatible applications of both management options for this invasive forest pest. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingeng Wang
- Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Jessica Faucher
- Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Ramesh Kumar Dhandapani
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jian J Duan
- Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Li K, Liu K, Wang X, Ma M, Luo X, Chen W, Chen A, Peng Z, Zhang D. Role of nuclear receptors NlHR3 and NlFTZ-F1 in regulating molting and reproduction in Nilaparvata lugens (stål). Front Physiol 2023; 14:1123583. [PMID: 37008006 PMCID: PMC10050704 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1123583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptors HR3 and FTZ-F1 are highly conserved and function to regulate molting and reproduction in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects. However, their roles in Nilaparvata lugens are largely unknown. In the present study, we discover that NlHR3 and NlFTZ-F1 are activated in the nymph stages by ecdysone signaling. Transcription disruption of NlHR3 and NlFTZ-F1 expression prevents nymph ecdysis and metamorphosis, which leads to abnormal appearance, malformed ovaries, and lethal phenotypes. In addition, we demonstrate that NlHR3 and NlFTZ-F1 regulate molting and reproduction by interacting with the intrinsic 20E and JH signaling pathways. Our work offers a deep insight into the action mechanisms of HR3 and FTZ-F1 in insects. Moreover, NlHR3 and NlFTZ-F1 could properly be exploited as potential target genes for developing RNAi-based pesticides to control N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailong Li
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Kanghong Liu
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Mingyong Ma
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangwen Luo
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Wuying Chen
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Ang Chen
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaopu Peng
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
| | - Deyong Zhang
- Hunan Plant Protection Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Science, Changsha, China
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12
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Chen S, Luo X, Nanda S, Yang C, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNAi-Based Biopesticides Against 28-Spotted Ladybeetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Does Not Harm the Insect Predator Propylea japonica. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3373-3384. [PMID: 36762732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of the notorious pest Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an emerging environment friendly research area. However, the characterization of key target genes in H. vigintioctopunctata is crucial for this. Additionally, assessing the risk of RNAi to nontarget organisms (NTOs) is necessary for environmental safety. In this study, the potential of RNAi technology in controlling H. vigintioctopunctata infestation has been investigated by the oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results revealed that the silencing of six genes, including HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k, was highly lethal to H. vigintioctopunctata. The LC50 values of the dsRNAs used to silence these six genes were found to be less than 13 ng/μL. Moreover, the use of the bacterially expressed dsRNAs caused high mortality in the lab and field populations of H. vigintioctopunctata. Further, administration of HvHel25E and HvSrp54k dsRNAs in the predatory lady beetle Propylea japonica confirmed no transcriptional or organismal levels effects. This risk-assessment result ensured no off-target RNAi effects on the NTOs. Overall, the findings of the study suggested that HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k can be novel promising molecular targets with high specificity for H. vigintioctopunctata management with negligible effects on the NTOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi 761200, India
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Niu R, Zhu X, Wang L, Zhang K, Li D, Ji J, Niu L, Gao X, Luo J, Cui J. Evaluation of Hamiltonella on Aphis gossypii fitness based on life table parameters and RNA sequencing. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:306-314. [PMID: 36151951 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7200] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect endosymbionts are widespread in nature and known to play key roles in regulating host biology. As a secondary endosymbiont, bacteria in the genus Hamiltonella help cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) defend against parasitism by parasitoid wasps, however, the potential negative impacts of these bacteria on cotton aphid biology remain largely unclear. RESULTS This study aims to evaluate the potential impacts of Hamiltonella on the growth and development of cotton aphids based on life table parameters and RNA sequencing. The results showed that infection with Hamiltonella resulted in smaller body type and lower body weight in aphids. Compared to the control group, there were significant differences in the finite and intrinsic rates of increase and mean generation time. Furthermore, the RNA sequencing data revealed that the genes related to energy synthesis and nutrient metabolism pathways were significantly downregulated and genes related to molting and nervous system pathways were significantly upregulated in the Hamiltonella population. CONCLUSION Our results confirm that Hamiltonella retarded the growth and development of cotton aphids accompanied by the downregulation of genes related to energy synthesis and nutrient metabolism, which provides new insights into aphid-symbiont interactions and may support the development of improved aphid management strategies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruichang Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Li Wang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Lin Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
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14
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Chen S, Nanda S, Guo M, Kong L, Yang C, Liu Z, Gao R, Qiu B, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. Tyrosine hydroxylase involved in cuticle tanning and reproduction in the 28-spotted potato ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3859-3870. [PMID: 35524967 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a melanin synthesis pathway enzyme hydroxylating tyrosine into 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, is involved in the pigmentation and sclerotization of insect cuticles. However, the role of TH in 28-spotted potato ladybeetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata), an emerging pest of the solanaceous crops has been explored to a limited extent. In this study, we integrated dietary RNA interference (RNAi) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining with various bioassays to analyze the role of tyrosine hydroxylase (HvTH) throughout the developmental processes of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. RESULTS The results revealed that ingestion of dsHvTH led to cuticle tanning impairment, arrested larval feeding in the first and second instars of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, and subsequently resulted in 100% mortality. The H&E staining assays revealed that dsHvTH prevented new abdominal cuticle formation. A pharmacological study using 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT), a HvTH inhibitor, disrupted larval-larval-pupal cuticle tanning during the third-fourth instar larval development and eventually failed to pupate. Similarly, dsHvTH fed to fourth instars hindered larval-pupal-adult cuticle tanning, and the eclose adults were 100% malformed. Ingestion of dsHvTH or 3-IT significantly down-regulated HvTH, HvDDC, Hvebony, and Hvlaccase2 expression and reduced dopamine levels. Finally, HvTH silencing in adult females substantially reduced the offspring hatching rates. CONCLUSIONS The collective results of the study suggested that HvTH plays conserved roles in larval-pupal-adult cuticle melanization and sclerotization while exhibiting a novel function in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata reproduction. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, India
| | - Mujuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Kong
- Department of Computer Science, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY, USA
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Guo M, Nanda S, Chen S, Lü J, Yang C, Liu Z, Guo W, Qiu B, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. Oral RNAi toxicity assay suggests clathrin heavy chain as a promising molecular target for controlling the 28-spotted potato ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3871-3879. [PMID: 34398523 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology in effective pest management has been explored for decades. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is a major solanaceous crop pest in Asia. In this study, the effects of the RNAi-mediated silencing of clathrin heavy chain in H. vigintioctopunctata were investigated. RESULTS Feeding either the in vitro-synthesized or the bacterially expressed double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) significantly impaired the normal physiology of H. vigintioctopunctata instars and adults. However, the bacterially expressed dsHvChc caused higher mortality than the in vitro-synthesized ones in the larvae and adults. Moreover, on evaluating the potential risk of dsHvChc on Propylea japonica, significant transcriptional effects of dsHvChc1 were observed, while the organismal level effects were not significant. On the contrary, dsHvChc2 did not affect P. japonica at either level. A similar test revealed significant transcriptional effects of dsPjChc1 on H. vigintioctopunctata, while staying ineffective at the organismal levels. Conversely, dsPjChc2 did not affect H. vigintioctopunctata at either level. Importantly, no effect of dsPjChc1 exposure on H. vigintioctopunctata suggested that other factors besides the 21-nucleotide (nt) matches between sequences were responsible. Finally, ingestion of dsHvmChc1 derived from H. vigintioctomaculata, containing 265-nt matches with dsHvChc1, caused 100% mortality in H. vigintioctopunctata. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that (i) species with numerous 21-nt matches in homologous genes are more likely to be susceptible to dsRNA; (ii) dsRNA can be safely designed to avoid negative effects on non-target organisms at both transcriptional and organismal levels; (iii) HvChc can be used as an efficient RNAi target gene to effectively manage H. vigintioctopunctata. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, India
| | - Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Lü
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Castellanos NL, Smagghe G, Taning CNT, Oliveira EE, Christiaens O. Risk assessment of RNAi-based pesticides to non-target organisms: Evaluating the effects of sequence similarity in the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:154746. [PMID: 35337872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are promising novel pest management products that might reduce environmental impacts compared to other pesticides. Their sequence-guided mode of action facilitates a high species-selectivity, preventing harm on non-target organisms. However, there is currently no consensus on the minimum needed sequence similarity for efficient RNAi in insects and studies have shown that adverse effects in non-targets cannot always be ruled out a priori. This study investigates the effects of exposing the parasitoid wasp Telenomus podisi to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which is lethal to its host, the Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros. Feeding T. podisi with wasp-specific dsRNA targeting the vATPase A and actin-2 genes led to 76.4 ± 9.9% and 76.7 ± 8.8% mortality respectively, demonstrating that dietary RNAi is functional in T. podisi. When feeding T. podisi with E. heros-specific dsRNA targeting the same genes, no lethal or sublethal effects were observed. To link sequence similarity to potential gene silencing effects in the parasitoids, the expression of genes showing the highest degree of similarity (17-21 nucleotide matches) with these two target genes was monitored and was found unaffected by the E. heros-specific dsRNA. Our study confirms that RNAi was in this case highly specific and that for E. heros, RNAi-based pesticides can be used complementary to biological control in an integrated pest management context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly L Castellanos
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Eugênio E Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Liu Z, Nanda S, Yang C, Chen S, Guo M, Khan MM, Qiu B, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNAi suppression of the nuclear receptor FTZ-F1 impaired ecdysis, pupation, and reproduction in the 28-spotted potato ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 182:105029. [PMID: 35249644 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fushi-tarazu factor 1 (FTZF1) is an ecdysone-inducible transcription factor that plays a vital role during the metamorphosis in insects. In this study, we functionally characterized HvFTZ-F1 in H. vigintioctopunctata, a dreadful solanaceous crop pest, by using a dietary RNA interference technique. The HvFTZ-F1 expression levels were elevated in the 1st and 2nd-instars before molting and declined immediately after ecdysis. The HvFTZ-F1 silencing led to high mortality in the 1st instars, while the expression of the osmosis-regulative gene, HvAQPAn.G, was significantly increased in the 1st instars. HvFTZ-F1 silencing downregulated the Halloween and 20E-related genes, decreased the ecdysteroids titer, suppressed the expression of pigmentation-related genes, and reduced the catecholamines titer. In the 4th instars, HvFTZ-F1 silencing caused 100% mortality by arresting the development at the prepupal stage and preventing new abdominal cuticle formation. In the female adults, HvFTZ-F1 silencing caused an evident decrease in fecundity, prolonged the pre-oviposition period, reduced the number of eggs and hatching rate, severely atrophied the ovaries. Moreover, the 20E-related genes and the dopamine synthesis genes were suppressed in the dsHvFTZ-F1-treated females. Overall, our results revealed that HvFTZ-F1 regulates ecdysis, pupation, and reproduction in H. vigintioctopunctata, thereby could be a promising molecular target for the development of RNAi-based biopesticides to control H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Satyabrata Nanda
- MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha 761200, India
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Mujuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Musa Khan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Shen X, Peng Y, Song H, Wang J, Zhao J, Tang P, Han Z, Wang K. Key factors determining competitions between double-stranded RNAs in Tribolium castaneum. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 181:105009. [PMID: 35082032 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Combinatorial delivery of different double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) can result in competitive inhibition in insect pests and remains one of the obstacles in the way of future applications of the RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest control. In this study, we attempted to discover the basic competition characteristics between dsRNAs and provided insight into the solutions of competitive inhibition. RNAi sensitive insect species Tribolium castaneum were treated, and competitions between dsRNA fragments influencing the effectiveness of RNAi response could be measured. A chimeric dsRNA strategy for conjugating different dsRNA fragments into a single molecule and a nanoparticle carbon quantum dots-mediated dsRNA delivery were confirmed as efficient methods to knock down multiple target genes simultaneously. Furthermore, in vitro assays were conducted for determining the accumulation speed of serially diluted and incubated dsRNA in the midgut tissues. Our data showed that the accumulation of dsRNAs of different treated amounts was 0.25 μg ≈ 0.5 μg > 1 μg ≥ 2 μg > 4 μg, indicating that accumulation speed would be affected by treated dsRNA. Overall, our results strongly suggest that endocytic components influencing cellular uptake might be oversaturated when an excess amount of dsRNAs were treated, thereby causing competitive inhibition of target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Grain Circulation and security, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingchuan Peng
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huifang Song
- Faculty of Biological Science & Technology, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China
| | - Jinda Wang
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- State Tobacco Monopoly Administration Key Laboratory for Green Prevention and Control of Tobacco Diseases and Pests in Huanghuai Tobacco Area, Institute of Tobacco Research, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Peian Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Grain Circulation and security, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaojun Han
- The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kangxu Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation in Grain Circulation and security, College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; The Agricultural Ministry Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Plant Diseases and Insects, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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19
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Dang C, Zhang Y, Sun C, Li R, Wang F, Fang Q, Yao H, Stanley D, Ye G. dsRNAs Targeted to the Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens: Assessing Risk to a Non-Target, Beneficial Predator, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:373-380. [PMID: 34967611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c05487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology is becoming a maturing insect management approach. Before commercial-scale application, however, it is necessary to assess risks to non-target organisms (NTOs). Here, we evaluated the influence of RNAi technology, targeted to the brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens, Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a serious pest of Asian rice cropping systems, by dsRNA feeding. Three dsRNA fragments, targeting sodium channel protein Nach-like (dsNlNa), autophagy protein 5 (dsNlAup5), and V-type proton ATPase catalytic subunit A (dsNlvATP-A), which were highly lethal to BPH, were selected to evaluate their effects on an important predator of BPH, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis (Hemiptera: Miridae). It showed that these three dsRNA fragments posed no risks to C. lividipennis at worst-case treatments when fed with high concentrations (10×) dsRNAs. These findings not only establish part of a risk assessment protocol for RNAi-based products on NTOs but also contribute to the development and deployment of new technologies for BPH management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yupan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chuyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongwei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - David Stanley
- Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory USDA/Agricultural Research Service, 1503 S. Providence Road, Columbia, Missouri 65203, United States
| | - Gongyin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs 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, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058 Zhejiang Province, China
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20
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Darlington M, Reinders JD, Sethi A, Lu AL, Ramaseshadri P, Fischer JR, Boeckman CJ, Petrick JS, Roper JM, Narva KE, Vélez AM. RNAi for Western Corn Rootworm Management: Lessons Learned, Challenges, and Future Directions. INSECTS 2022; 13:57. [PMID: 35055900 PMCID: PMC8779393 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is considered one of the most economically important pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in the United States (U.S.) Corn Belt with costs of management and yield losses exceeding USD ~1-2 billion annually. WCR management has proven challenging given the ability of this insect to evolve resistance to multiple management strategies including synthetic insecticides, cultural practices, and plant-incorporated protectants, generating a constant need to develop new management tools. One of the most recent developments is maize expressing double-stranded hairpin RNA structures targeting housekeeping genes, which triggers an RNA interference (RNAi) response and eventually leads to insect death. Following the first description of in planta RNAi in 2007, traits targeting multiple genes have been explored. In June 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the first in planta RNAi product against insects for commercial use. This product expresses a dsRNA targeting the WCR snf7 gene in combination with Bt proteins (Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1) to improve trait durability and will be introduced for commercial use in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Darlington
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Jordan D. Reinders
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
| | - Amit Sethi
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Albert L. Lu
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | | | - Joshua R. Fischer
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA; (P.R.); (J.R.F.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Chad J. Boeckman
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Jay S. Petrick
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA; (P.R.); (J.R.F.); (J.S.P.)
| | - Jason M. Roper
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA 50131, USA; (A.S.); (A.L.L.); (C.J.B.); (J.M.R.)
| | | | - Ana M. Vélez
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (M.D.); (J.D.R.)
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21
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Willow J, Veromann E. Highly Variable Dietary RNAi Sensitivity Among Coleoptera. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:790816. [PMID: 34950174 PMCID: PMC8688912 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.790816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many herbivorous beetles (Order Coleoptera) contribute to serious losses in crop yields and forest trees, and plant biotechnology solutions are being developed with the hope of limiting these losses. Due to the unprecedented target-specificity of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and its utility in inducing RNA interference (RNAi) when consumed by target pest species, dsRNA-based plant biotechnology approaches represent the cutting edge of current pesticide research and development. We review dietary RNAi studies in coleopterans and discuss prospects and future directions regarding RNAi-based management of coleopteran plant pests. Herein, we also provide a balanced overview of existing studies in order to provide an accurate re-assessment of dietary RNAi sensitivity in coleopterans, despite the limitations to the existing body of scientific literature. We further discuss impediments to our understanding of RNAi sensitivity in this important insect order and identify critical future directions for research in this area, with an emphasis on using plant biotechnology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Willow
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Plants and Crops, Laboratory of Agrozoology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eve Veromann
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
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22
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Guo W, Guo M, Yang C, Liu Z, Chen S, Lü J, Qiu B, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNA interference-mediated silencing of vATPase subunits A and E affect survival and development of the 28-spotted ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1664-1676. [PMID: 33421334 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool for developing novel management strategies for controlling insect pests. The 28-spotted ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is one of the most important pests attacking solanaceous plants in Asia. In this study, the potential of dietary RNAi to manage H. vigintioctopunctata was investigated using both in vitro synthesized and bacterially expressed double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E. The expression levels of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E were higher in Malpighian tubules than in other tissue types. The silencing of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E led to significant mortality in H. vigintioctopunctata larvae. In addition, the ingestion of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E significantly deterred feeding behavior and subsequently arrested the development of H. vigintioctopunctata. Notably, the bacterially expressed dsRNAs consistently caused higher mortality in larvae and adults. Finally, the nontarget effects of the dsRNAs of H. vigintioctopunctata on the predatory ladybeetle Propylaea japonica were evaluated. P. japonica 1st instar larvae were administered vATPase A and vATPase E dsRNAs from H. vigintioctopunctata and P. japonica under the worst-case scenario, in which dsGFP served as negative control. There were significant effects of dsHvvATPase A on P. japonica at the transcriptional level but not at the organismal level, whereas dsHvvATPase E did not effect P. japonica at either the transcriptional or the organismal level. Collectively, the results of the study suggest that HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E can act as novel molecular targets for the control of H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Mujuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jing Lü
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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.
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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.
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Wen N, Chen J, Chen G, Du L, Chen H, Li Y, Peng Y, Yang X, Han L. The overexpression of insect endogenous microRNA in transgenic rice inhibits the pupation of Chilo suppressalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3990-3999. [PMID: 33890699 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chilo suppressalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis are destructive rice pests co-occurring in major rice-growing areas in China. RNA interference (RNAi)-based insect-resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) crops provide a promising approach for pest management by suppressing gene expression or translation. A microRNA (miRNA)-mediated IRGE rice line expressing endogenous Chilo suppressalis miRNA Csu-novel-260, showing significant resistance against Chilo suppressalis, provides an attractive control strategy for Chilo suppressalis by suppressing the expression of the disembodied (dib) gene expression. However, whether this transgenic line also shows the resistance against Cnaphalocrocis medinalis remains unknown. RESULTS A spatiotemporal expression analysis of Csu-novel-260 in the transgenic rice line was performed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine the paddy field pest exposure dose. In diet feeding assays, a chemically synthesized Csu-novel-260 agomir at 200 fmol g-1 significantly inhibited Chilo suppressalis pupation. However, larval development, survival and pupal weight were not significantly affected. Additionally, the transgenic line significantly affected Cnaphalocrocis medinalis pupation but not larval survival. The qRT-PCR showed that Csdib and Cmdib expression levels were significantly suppressed when the two pests fed on the transgenic line. Additionally, the transgenic line significantly decreased Cry1C-resistant and Cry1C-susceptible Chilo suppressalis larval survival in detached rice tissue feeding assays, indicating that Cry1C-resistant Chilo suppressalis was not cross-resistant to Csu-novel-260 expressed in miRNA-mediated IRGE rice. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that miRNA-mediated IRGE rice significantly inhibited Chilo suppressalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis pupation. The results provide a new viewpoint for the application of RNAi-based plants and the inspiration for environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Geng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiao Du
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yufa Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanzhi Han
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Arpaia S, Smagghe G, Sweet JB. Biosafety of bee pollinators in genetically modified agro-ecosystems: Current approach and further development in the EU. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:2659-2666. [PMID: 33470515 PMCID: PMC8247894 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Bee pollinators are an important guild delivering a fundamental input to European agriculture due to the ecological service they provide to crops in addition to the direct economic revenues from apiculture. Bee populations are declining in Europe as a result of the effects of several environmental stressors, both natural and of anthropic origin. Efforts are ongoing in the European Union (EU) to improve monitoring and management of pollinator populations to arrest further declines. Genetically modified (GM) crops are currently cultivated in a limited area in Europe, and an environmental risk assessment (ERA) is required prior to their authorization for cultivation. The possible impacts of GM crops on pollinators are deemed relevant for the ERA. Existing ecotoxicological studies indicate that traits currently expressed in insect-resistant GM plants are unlikely to represent a risk for pollinators. However, new mechanisms of insect resistance are being introduced into GM plants, including novel combinations of Cry toxins and double strand RNA (dsRNA), and an ERA is required to consider lethal and sublethal effects of these new products on nontarget species, including insect pollinators. The evaluation of indirect effects linked to the changes in management practices (e.g. for herbicide-tolerant GM crops) is an important component of EU regulations and a requirement for ERA. This paper reviews current approaches used to test the sensitivity of pollinators to GM plants and their products to determine whether sufficient data are being provided on novel GM plants to satisfy EU risk assessment requirements. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Arpaia
- TERIN‐BBCENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic DevelopmentRotondellaItaly
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and CropsGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
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Jin H, Abouzaid M, Lin Y, Hull JJ, Ma W. Cloning and RNAi-mediated three lethal genes that can be potentially used for Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) management. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 174:104828. [PMID: 33838721 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has gained attention in recent years as a viable pest control strategy. Here, RNAi assays were performed to screen the potential functionality of genes in Chilo suppressalis, a serious pest of rice, and to determine their potential for developing a highly targeted molecular control approach. Potential homologs of NADH dehydrogenase (ND), glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and male specific lethal 3 (MSL3) were cloned from C. suppressalis, and their spatiotemporal gene expression evaluated. The expression of all three genes was higher in the pupal and adult stages than the larval stages and largely higher in the larval head compared to other tissues. Newly hatched larvae exhibited high mortalities and suppressed growth when fed bacteria producing double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) corresponding to the three target genes. This study provides insights into the function of ND, GPDH and MSL3 during C. suppressalis larval development and suggests that all may be candidate gene targets for C. suppressalis pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Mostafa Abouzaid
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yongjun Lin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA
| | - Weihua Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Centre of Plant Gene Research, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China; College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
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27
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Chen J, Wang H, Yang X, Chen G, Du L, Chen H, Li Y, Peng Y, Han L. Consumption of miRNA-Mediated Insect-Resistant Transgenic Rice Pollen Does Not Harm Apis mellifera Adults. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:4234-4242. [PMID: 33818077 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNAi-based insect-resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) crops represent a promising approach for pest management by suppressing gene expressions or translation. A developed microRNA-mediated IRGE rice line expressing endogenous Chilo suppressalis Csu-novel-260 shows significant resistance to target pests. The nontarget insect Apis mellifera is an important pollinator used as a surrogate species for the ecological risk assessment of IRGE plants. To simulate a worst-case scenario, the full-length C. suppressalis and A. mellifera disembodied (dib) cDNAs were cloned. The dib 3'-untranslated regions shared 58.06% nucleotide sequence similarity between C. suppressalis and A. mellifera. No potential Csu-novel-260 binding site in Amdib was detected through the bioinformatics analysis. A dietary RNAi toxicity assay of the impacts of ingested Csu-novel-260 on A. mellifera adults showed that the survival rates of RNAi-treated A. mellifera did not significantly differ from those in the blank control (CK) and negative control (NC) treatments. The Csu-novel-260 uptake by A. mellifera peaked at 8 days postfeeding and then gradually decreased. The Amdib expression was not affected by the RNAi assay days or treatments. These results suggest that A. mellifera adults are not susceptible to high doses of Csu-novel-260 in the dietary RNAi assay and that the impact of miRNA-mediated IRGE plants on A. mellifera is negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huilin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Geng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lixiao Du
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yunhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yufa Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lanzhi Han
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Sarmah N, Kaldis A, Taning CNT, Perdikis D, Smagghe G, Voloudakis A. dsRNA-Mediated Pest Management of Tuta absoluta Is Compatible with Its Biological Control Agent Nesidiocoris tenuis. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12040274. [PMID: 33804809 PMCID: PMC8063791 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The zoophytophagous mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis is an efficient predator of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting the alphaCOP (αCOP) (Coatomer subunit alpha protein) gene of N. tenuis (Nt-αCOP) was proven to be functional in N. tenuis, causing downregulation of gene expression, mortality and sub-lethal effects. In contrast, when N. tenuis were fed with dsRNA (dsTa-αCOP) targeting the ortholog αCOP gene of T. absoluta, no lethal nor sub-lethal effects were observed. These results indicate the compatibility of this biocontrol agent along with RNAi-mediated management in order to suppress T. absoluta efficiently in tomato crop. Abstract RNAi-mediated insect pest management has recently shown promising results against the most serious pest of tomato, the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta. This study aimed to investigate whether dsRNA (dsTa-αCOP) designed to target the T. absoluta-αCOP gene could cause adverse effects to its biocontrol agent, the mirid predator, Nesidiocoris tenuis. Oral exposure of N. tenuis to dsRNA (dsNt-αCOP) designed to target N. tenuis-αCOP resulted in a 61%, 67% and 55% reduction in its transcript level in comparison to the sucrose, dsGFP and dsTa-αCOP treatments, respectively. In addition, significantly higher mortality of 57% was recorded in dsNt-αCOP-treated N. tenuis when compared to the sucrose (7%), dsGFP (10%) and dsTa-αCOP (10%) treatments. Moreover, the predation rate of ~33–39 Ephestia kuehniella eggs per N. tenuis adult dramatically reduced to almost half in the surviving dsNt-αCOP-treated N. tenuis. This worst-case exposure scenario confirmed for the first time that the RNAi machinery is functional in this species and that the risk of exposure through the oral route is possible. In contrast, dsTa-αCOP did not cause any sub-lethal effects to N. tenuis upon oral exposure. Oral exposure of T. absoluta to dsTa-αCOP resulted in 50% mortality. In the context of a biosafety risk assessment of RNAi-mediated insect management, investigating the effects on non-target organisms is essential in order to include this method as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Based on our laboratory assays, RNAi-mediated control is compatible with the biological control of T. absoluta by its natural enemy N. tenuis, adding the RNAi approach in the armoire of integrated pest management of T. absoluta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomi Sarmah
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (N.S.); (D.P.)
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Kaldis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (C.N.T.T.); (G.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Dionysios Perdikis
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece; (N.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (C.N.T.T.); (G.S.); (A.V.)
| | - Andreas Voloudakis
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: (C.N.T.T.); (G.S.); (A.V.)
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