Disruption of transmission of plant pathogens in the insect order Hemiptera using recent advances in RNA interference biotechnology

Abstract

The review discusses current RNA interference (RNAi) biotechnological innovations for crop protection. Special attention is given to the management of insect pests in the order Hemiptera. This insect order has the most members of insects which transmit pathogens on economically important crops. It first briefly summarizes the characteristics of the insects in this order and the type of transmission mechanisms for viral and bacterial plant pathogens. RNAi products developed for other insects are also analyzed. Emphasis was made on the need for innovative management approaches to offset the threat of resistance by both the insect vector to insecticides and the pathogens to microbicides. Subsequently, the RNAi technology is described, which is particularly an ingenious method currently utilized in itself or in combination with other modern biotechnological innovations for managing important vector insects that could provide an additional powerful tool for use in integrated pest control programs. The requirements and recent advances for performing RNAi assays are detailed and an overview is given on how to produce cheaper double-stranded RNA as the main component of RNAi-based biopesticide. Examples of agricultural companies that use RNAi biotechnology in their product development were also discussed.

Keywords: RNA interference; insect vector; integrated pest management; plant pathogen; transmission.