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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Will Askew, Dr Martin EdwardsORCiD, Professor Angharad MR GatehouseORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous eukaryote viral defence mechanism representing a unique form of post-transcriptional gene silencing. Due to its high specificity, this technology is being developed for use as dsRNA-based biopesticides for control of pest insects. Whilst many lepidopteran species are recalcitrant to RNAi, Tuta absoluta, a polyphagous insect responsible for extensive crop damage, is sensitive. Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are intracellular calcium channels regulating Ca2+ release. The chemical pesticide class of Diamides functions agonistically against lepidopteran RyR, resulting in uncontrolled Ca2+ release, feeding cessation and death. Resistance to Diamides has emerged in T. absoluta, derived from RyR point mutations.RESULTS: RNAi was used to target RyR transcripts of T. absoluta. Data presented here demonstrate the systemic use of exogenous T. absoluta RyR specific (TaRy) dsRNA in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) to significantly downregulate expression of the target gene, resulting in significant insect mortality and reduced leaf damage. Using a leaflet delivery system, daily dosing of 3 µg of TaRy dsRNA for 72 h resulted in 50 % downregulation of the target gene and 50 % reduction in tomato leaf damage. Corrected larval mortality and adult emergence were reduced by 38% and 33 %, respectively. TaRy dsRNA demonstrated stability in tomato leaves up to 72h after dosing. CONCLUSIONS: This work identifies TaRy as a promising target for RNAi control of this widespread crop pest.
Author(s): Askew WT, Edwards MG, Gatehouse AMR
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Pest Management Science
Year: 2024
Volume: 80
Issue: 12
Pages: 6400-6408
Print publication date: 01/12/2024
Online publication date: 16/08/2024
Acceptance date: 27/07/2024
Date deposited: 16/08/2024
ISSN (print): 1526-498X
ISSN (electronic): 1526-4998
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8368
DOI: 10.1002/ps.8368
Data Access Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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