RNAi-mediated gene silencing of a 26S proteasome subunit increases mortality of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a highly polyphagous quarantine invasive species causing severe crop damages. Its management is based on broad-spectrum insecticides and sustainable alternatives are needed. Strategies based on RNA interference (RNAi) emerged in crop protection and we aimed to explore its use to control P. japonica.

Results

Nine genes of P. japonica were selected as lethal candidates, based on previous wide-genome screenings on other coleopterans. To avoid off-target effects, genes showing over 80% identity with pollinator homologues were excluded and P. japonica double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were designed in the least conserved portions according to alignments with Apis mellifera. When incubated in P. japonica mi

SUBMITTER: Lucetti G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12713707 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature