Superior target genes and pathways for RNAi-mediated pest control revealed by genome-wide analysis in the beetle Tribolium castaneum.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An increasing human population, the emergence of resistances against pesticides and their potential impact on the environment call for the development of new eco-friendly pest control strategies. RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides have emerged as a new option with the first products entering the market. Essentially, double-stranded RNAs targeting essential genes of pests are either expressed in the plants or sprayed on their surface. Upon feeding, pests mount an RNAi response and die. However, it has remained unclear whether RNAi-based insecticides should target the same pathways as classic pesticides or whether the different mode-of-action would favor other processes. Moreover, there is no consensus on the best genes to be targeted.

Results

We performed a g

SUBMITTER: Buer B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11716340 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature