Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology may be useful for developing new crop protection strategies against the soybean pod borer (SPB; Leguminivora glycinivorella), which is a critical soybean pest in northeastern Asia. Immune-related genes have been recently identified as potential RNAi targets for controlling insects. However, little is known about these genes or mechanisms underlying their expression in the SPB. In this study, we completed a transcriptome-wide analysis of SPB immune-related genes. We identified 41 genes associated with SPB microbial recognition proteins, immune-related effectors or signalling molecules in immune response pathways (e.g., Toll and immune deficiency pathways). Eleven of these genes were selected for a double-stranded RNA artificial feeding assay. The down-regulated expression levels of LgToll-5-1a and LgPGRP-LB2a resulted in relatively high larval mortality rates and abnormal development. Our data represent a comprehensive genetic resource for immune-related SPB genes, and may contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism regulating innate immunity in Lepidoptera species. Furthermore, two immune-related SPB genes were identified as potential RNAi targets, which may be used in the development of RNAi-mediated SPB control methods.
Highlights
Leguminivora glycinivorella (Mats.) obraztsov (soybean pod borer (SPB)) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and family Olethreutidae
Amino acid sequences encoded by D. melanogaster, B. mori, and Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera) immune-related genes were used to search SPB transcriptome sequences
We identified eight SPB Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), four short and four long types, with similarities to D. melanogaster PGRP-SC, PGRP-SD, and PGRP-LB (Fig. 1)
Summary
Leguminivora glycinivorella (Mats.) obraztsov (soybean pod borer (SPB)) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and family Olethreutidae. The larvae use the immature beans as a food source until they reach maturity, resulting in soybean yield losses of up to 40% (Meng et al, 2017b). How to cite this article Ran et al (2018), RNA interference-mediated silencing of genes involved in the immune responses of the soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae). The SPB remains a major pest and is responsible for substantial soybean yield losses (Wang et al, 2014; Song et al, 2015). Soybean breeders and growers are interested in developing new strategies for controlling SPB infestations, with RNA interference (RNAi) representing a promising option (Khajuria et al, 2015; Fishilevich et al, 2016)
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