RNAi feeding bioassay: Development of a non-transgenic approach to control Asian citrus psyllid and other hemipterans

Authors: ANDRADE, EDUARDO - Embrapa; Hunter, Wayne

Submitted to: Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/7/2016
Publication Date: 2/23/2017
Citation: Andrade, E.C., Hunter, W.B. 2017. RNAi feeding bioassay: Development of a non-transgenic approach to control Asian citrus psyllid and other hemipterans. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 162(3):389-396. https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12544.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12544

Interpretive Summary: To assist other researchers in Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi)a method using topically applied RNAi-based approaches, and plant absorption through roots, or by cut plant material was validated as an effective bioassay to screen double stranded RNA, dsRNA, for activity to reduce insect pests. Methods were developed to control to the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), the vector of bacteria causing Huanglongbing, known commonly as citrus greening disease. The RNAi feeding bioassay, called "in plant system (iPS)", uses vegetative new-growth citrus cuttings, leaves, or small potted seedlings to deliver the dsRNA to psyllids during feeding in a natural manner. The feeding bioassay provides a repeatable system for evaluation and developing effective dsRNA's that will reduce psyllids.

Technical Abstract: To assist other researchers in Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi), a method using topically applied RNAi-based approaches, and plant absorption through roots, or by cut plant material was validated as an effective bioassay to screen double stranded RNA, dsRNA, for activity to reduce insect pests. Methods were developed to control to the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), the vector of bacteria causing huanglongbing, known commonly as citrus greening disease. The RNAi feeding bioassay, called "in plant system (iPS)", uses vegetative new-growth citrus cuttings, leaves, or small potted seedlings to deliver the dsRNA to psyllids during feeding in a natural manner. Evaluation of knockdown of the psyllid's arginine kinase expression demonstrated RNAi induced mortality increase from 10% to nearly 60%,over a 15 day period. The feeding bioassay provides a repeatable system that will work across all plants for evaluation and developing effective dsRNA's that will reduce psyllids.