RNA interference-mediated control of Asian citrus psyllid, the vector of the huanglongbing bacterial pathogen

Abstract

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the natural vector of the Huanglongbing (HLB) pathogen that presents an unparalleled challenge to citrus production. RNA interference (RNAi) has already shown great potential for insect pest management owing to its high specificity. RNAi technique relies on the delivery of exogenous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that target essential genes in insects. The D. citri genome possesses three dsRNase homologs and all core RNAi machinery genes, aside from the R2D2 that functions as a cofactor of Dicer-2 in the siRNA pathway. Nevertheless, ever-increasing research on the application of RNAi to suppress D. citri population has promulgated outstanding progress. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the recent literature, and summarize the current understanding of RNAi mechanisms and advances in the applications of RNAi in D. citri. The major challenges including the potential of dsRNA degradation, target gene selection, and dsRNA delivery methods, as well as the implications of using RNAi for D. citri control are reviewed.