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Lepidopteran insect species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, and systemic RNA interference by spraying ds RNA on larvae
Author(s) -
Zhang Hao,
Li Haichao,
Guan Ruobing,
Miao Xuexia
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
entomologia experimentalis et applicata
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1570-7458
pISSN - 0013-8703
DOI - 10.1111/eea.12300
Subject(s) - biology , rna , ostrinia furnacalis , rna interference , transcriptome , gene expression , gene , insect , ecdysis , botany , larva , instar , genetics
To investigate whether the ds RNA of a gene has species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, or off‐target effects on lepidopteran insects, we identified a methionine‐rich storage protein gene ( Of SP ) from A sian corn borer, O strinia furnacalis ( G uenée) ( L epidoptera: P yralidae), using high‐throughput sequence technology. The Of SP gene possesses three functional domains (N, M, and C), which are predominantly expressed in the last instars of Asian corn borer. This gene is also a key element for insect development and reproduction. The ds RNA s for the three functional domains of the Of SP gene were synthesized and sprayed on either Asian corn borer or on cotton bollworm, H elicoverpa armigera ( H übner) ( L epidoptera: N octuidae), during the first instar. The ds RNA targeting the C‐terminal domain can cause high mortality rates in both insects, whereas those targeting the M‐ and N‐terminal domains only cause high mortality in the A sian corn borer. These results can be used to develop ds RNA with species‐specific or broad‐spectrum bio‐insecticidal properties. More importantly, after ds RNA spraying, we also found typical systemic RNA i in the phenotypes that resulted in abnormal ecdysis of the larvae and pupae. Moreover, sterile eggs were found in the next generation. To analyze the broad‐spectrum link to ds RNA off‐target effects, the whole transcriptome si RNA libraries for these two species were constructed. Results further confirmed that 21 nucleotide si RNA s are unlikely to produce the off‐target effect if conserved genes are not selected. These findings provide direct evidence confirming that ds RNA is a biologically safe insecticide in lepidopteran insect pest control.