Targeting the proteasome subunit PSMB5 by RNA interference induces proteasome dysfunction and mortality in the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata).

ABSTRACT: The Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a devastating super-pest of potato crops in the northern hemisphere. Chemical control methods are expensive, harmful to non-target species, and inefficient because CPB populations can rapidly evolve resistance to multiple classes of insecticides. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) provides an opportunity for the sustainable and targeted control of CPB by RNA interference (RNAi). A dsRNA active ingredient (ledprona, marketed as Calantha^®) targeting proteasome subunit β5 (PSMB5) achieves the efficient suppression of PSMB5 gene expression and protein synthesis, causing CPB mortality and protecting crop plants in the laboratory and field. To understand the mode of action of ledprona in more detail, expression levels of other pr

SUBMITTER: Graser L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639069 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature