Abstract
Parental RNAi (pRNAi) is an RNA interference response where the gene knockdown phenotype is observed in the progeny of the treated organism. pRNAi has been demonstrated in female western corn rootworms (WCR) via diet applications and has been described as a potential approach for rootworm pest management. However, it is not clear if plant-expressed pRNAi can provide effective control of next generation WCR larvae in the field. In this study, we evaluated parameters required to generate a successful pRNAi response in WCR for the genes brahma and hunchback. The parameters tested included a concentration response, duration of the dsRNA exposure, timing of the dsRNA exposure with respect to the mating status in WCR females, and the effects of pRNAi on males. Results indicate that all of the above parameters affect the strength of pRNAi phenotype in females. Results are interpreted in terms of how this technology will perform in the field and the potential role for pRNAi in pest and resistance management strategies. More broadly, the described approaches enable examination of the dynamics of RNAi response in insects beyond pRNAi and crop pests.
Highlights
Corn rootworms (CRW), Diabrotica species, are the most important pests of maize in the UnitedStates Corn Belt, with western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, being economically the most impactful [1]
We recently evaluated the Parental RNA interference (RNAi) (pRNAi) effects of chromatin remodeling ATPase genes brahma, mi-2, iswi-1, and iswi-2, and the gap gene hunchback in western corn rootworms (WCR) [16,26]. pRNAi has the potential to be used as part of integrated pest management (IPM) and insect resistance management (IRM) programs in combination with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins and related technologies to aid in slowing the emergence of alleles conferring resistance to the Bt toxins [26]
The information obtained in this study informs the discussion on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) exposure as it relates to achieving pRNAi responses that may be applied to management of corn rootworm populations
Summary
Corn rootworms (CRW), Diabrotica species, are the most important pests of maize in the United. States Corn Belt, with western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, being economically the most impactful [1]. Virgifera and the northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi results in yield losses and costs of control that have been estimated to exceed $1 billion annually [2,3]. Within the current management strategies, plant-expressed insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have vastly changed the landscape of CRW control. Bt proteins expressed in maize provide significant root protection against CRW species, protecting yields, and are believed to ameliorate the impacts of environmental stress conditions, such as drought, that are exacerbated by rootworm pressure [5,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
