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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.04.30.591975

Effective target genes for RNA interference-based management of the cabbage stem flea beetle

CEDDEN, D.·Guney, G.·Debaisieux, X.·Scholten, S.·Rostas, M.·Bucher, G.
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Abstract

The cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala) is a key pest of oilseed rape. The ban on neonicotinoids in the European Union due to environmental concerns and the emergence of pyrethroid-resistant populations have made the control of CSFB extremely challenging. In search of a solution, we have recently shown that RNA interference (RNAi) has potential in the management of CSFB. However, the previously tested target genes for RNAi-mediated pest control (subsequently called target genes) exhibited moderate and slow-acting lethal effects. In this study, 27 double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were orally delivered to identify highly effective target genes in CSFB adults by leveraging the findings of a genome-wide RNAi screen in Tribolium castaneum. Our screen using 500 ng of dsRNA identified 10 moderately effective (> 50% mortality) and 4 highly effective target genes (100% mortality in 8-13 days). The latter mainly included proteasome subunits. RT-qPCR experiments confirmed target gene silencing and dose-response studies revealed LD50 values as low as [~]20 ng in 14 days following a single exposure to dsRNA. Four highly effective dsRNAs also inhibited leaf damage (up to [~]75%) and one affected locomotion. The sequences of promising target genes were subjected to in silico target prediction in non-target organisms, e.g., beneficials such as honeybees, to design environmentally friendly dsRNAs. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for the development of dsRNA-based insecticides against CSFB.

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CEDDEN, D., Guney, G., Debaisieux, X., Scholten, S., Rostas, M., Bucher, G.. 2024-05-03. Effective target genes for RNA interference-based management of the cabbage stem flea beetle. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.30.591975

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