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Expression of the double‐stranded RNA of the soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) ribosomal protein P0 gene enhances the resistance of transgenic soybean plants
Author(s) -
Meng Fanli,
Li Yang,
Zang Zhenyuan,
Li Na,
Ran Ruixue,
Cao Yingxue,
Li Tianyu,
Zhou Quan,
Li Wenbin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4637
Subject(s) - biology , rna silencing , tortricidae , lepidoptera genitalia , rna interference , genetically modified crops , gene silencing , transgene , botany , gene , rna , genetics
BACKGROUND The soybean pod borer [SPB; Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)] is the most important soybean pest in northeastern Asia. Silencing genes using plant‐mediated RNA‐interference is a promising strategy for controlling SPB infestations. The ribosomal protein P0 is important for protein translation and DNA repair in the SPB. Thus, transferring P0 double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plants may help prevent SPB‐induced damage. RESULTS We investigated the effects of SpbP0 dsRNA injections and SpbP0 dsRNA‐expressing transgenic soybean plants on the SPB. Larval mortality rates were greater for SpbP0 dsRNA‐injected larvae (96%) than for the control larvae (31%) at 14 days after injections. Transgenic T 2 soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA sustained less damage from SPB larvae than control plants. In addition, the expression level of the SpbP0 gene decreased and the mortality rate increased when SPB larvae were fed on T 3 transgenic soybean pods. Moreover, the surviving larvae were deformed and exhibited inhibited growth. CONCLUSION Silencing SpbP0 expression is lethal to the SPB. Transgenic soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA are more resistant to the SPB than wild‐type plants. Thus, SpbP0 dsRNA‐expressing transgenic plants may be useful for controlling insect pests. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry