Asian Citrus Psyllid Feeding Behavior in Citrus Treated with Specific and Non-Specific dsRNA

Authors: SANTOS SILVA, DOS JONATHA - Federal University Of Bahia Reconcavo; ANDRADE, EDUARDO - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA); Hunter, Wayne

Submitted to: Proceedings Florida State Horticultural Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/22/2021
Publication Date: 7/30/2021
Citation: Santos Silva, D., Andrade, E.C., Hunter, W.B. 2021. Asian Citrus Psyllid Feeding Behavior in Citrus Treated with Specific and Non-Specific dsRNA. Proceedings Florida State Horticultural Science. https://sciforum.net/manuscripts/10510/manuscript.pdf.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/IECE-10510

Interpretive Summary: Ribonucleic-acid, RNA interference (RNAi) technology to control the insect, Asian Citrus Psyllid vector of Huanglongbing, has been demonstrated in many publications. The RNAi response is triggered by the presence of double-stranded RNA, dsRNA, which is the trigger that specifically suppresses the insect. RNAi is considered to be more specific to the pest, and an environmentally friendly approach of insect pest control. One problem with chemical treatments is the insects detect the insecticide during feeding and then move to untreated citrus trees, which increases disease spread. Thus, we wanted to determine if the psyllid insect would detect the presence of the dsRNA after ingestion from treated citrus trees. Results showed that the psyllids appeared not to detect the dsRNA in treated citrus trees during feeding, as they did not stop feeding, nor did they disperse to other untreated citrus plants. Therefore, the use of dsRNA insect control for psyllids may provide a better strategy that does not cause the psyllids to disperse and spread the pathogen. RNAi biopesticide research continues to demonstrate the advantages of RNAi biopesticide products for insect pest control in citrus trees, and other crop plants.

Technical Abstract: One problem with chemical treatments is the insects detect the insecticide during feeding and then move to untreated citrus trees, which increases disease spread. Thus, we wanted to determine if the psyllid vector would detect the presence of double-stranded Ribonucleic-acid, dsRNA, the trigger for the RNAi response after ingestion from treated citrus trees. Results showed that the psyllids did not respond to the presence of the dsRNA in treated citrus trees during feeding. The psyllids did not reduce or stop feeding, nor did they disperse to other untreated citrus plants. No significant differences between treatment means were detected in psyllid feeding preferences to the presence of dsRNA (P < 0.05). These results suggest that psyllids were not negatively sensitive to dsRNA ingestion, as has been reported for some currently used chemical insecticides. Therefore, the use of dsRNA insect control for psyllids provides a better strategy that will not cause psyllid dispersal, thus reducing pathogen spread. RNAi biopesticide research continues to demonstrate the advantages of RNAi biopesticides for insect pest control in citrus and other crop plants.