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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Mosquito and Fly Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #210768
Title: Topically applied AaeIAP1 double-stranded RNA kills female adults of Aedes aegypti

Author
item Wei Pridgeon, Yuping
item Zhao, Liming
item Becnel, James
item Strickman, Daniel
item Clark, Gary
item Linthicum, Kenneth - Ken

Submitted to: Journal of Medical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/19/2007
Publication Date: 5/1/2008
Citation: Pridgeon, J.W., Zhao, L., Becnel, J.J., Strickman, D.A., Clark, G.G., Linthicum, K. 2008. Topically applied AaeIAP1 double-stranded RNA kills female adults of Aedes aegypti. Journal of Medical Entomology.45(3):414-420.

Interpretive Summary: Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector for both dengue and yellow fever diseases. Using chemical insecticides is a major way to control this medically important insect pest. However, worldwide problems with environmental pollution and resistance problem caused by chemical insecticides strongly need a new thinking for pest control. In order to develop novel insecticides for mosquito control, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 gene from Ae. aegypti was chosen as a target for the development of molecular pesticides. Here, for the first time, ARS scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL, report that topically applied AaeIAP1 dsRNAs are able to kill female mosquitoes. The results reported here could have important implications for new pesticide development and pest management strategies.

Technical Abstract: Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of both dengue and yellow fever. Use of chemical insecticides is one major way to control this medically important insect pest. However, worldwide problems with environmental pollution and resistance problem associated with chemical insecticides strongly advocate a rethinking in pest control. As part of our effort to develop novel insecticides for mosquito control, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 gene in Aedes aegypti (AaeIAP1) was chosen as a target for the development of molecular pesticides. Herein, for the first time, we report that topically applied AaeIAP1 dsRNAs are able to kill female Ae. aegypti. The results reported here could have important implications for novel pesticide development and pest management strategies.