Nanocarrier-delivered dsRNA suppresses wing development of green peach aphids

Insect Sci. 2022 Jun;29(3):669-682. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12953. Epub 2021 Oct 13.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) has developed rapidly as a potential "green" pest management strategy. At present, most studies have focused on the screening of aphid lethal genes, whereas only a few studies have been conducted on wing development, which is crucial for aphid migration and plant-virus dissemination. Here, the Myzus persicae genes vestigial (vg) and Ultrabithorax (Ubx) related to wing development, were cloned. These two genes were expressed in various tissues of 3rd-instar winged aphids. The mRNA level of vg was high in 3rd-instar nymphs, whereas the expression level of Ubx was high in adults. The nanocarrier-mediated delivery system delivered double-stranded RNAs for aphid RNAi using topical and root applications. The expression levels of vg and Ubx were downregulated by 44.0% and 36.5%, respectively, using the topical application. The simultaneous RNAi of the two target genes caused 63.3% and 32.2% wing aberration rates using topical and root applications, respectively. The current study provided a promising method for controlling aphid migration to alleviate the spread of insect transmitted plant diseases.

Keywords: RNA interference; Ultrabithorax; nanocarrier; vestigial; wing development.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aphids* / genetics
  • Plant Viruses* / genetics
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • Wings, Animal

Substances

  • RNA, Double-Stranded