6: Evaluating nanoparticles as a potential tool to overcome hurdles of RNA interference in lepidopteran pests

RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene silencing mechanism that has shown great potential as a tool for insect pest control. This mechanism has been successful against several important insect pests such as mosquitos, aphids and beetles. However, current RNAi approaches in lepidopteran pests, remain ineffective. In particular, fall armyworm (FAW) and European corn borer (ECB) are one of the most important lepidopteran pests in agriculture, due to their ability to feed and severely damage corn crops and significantly reduce yields. Furthermore, FAW and ECB have now resistant populations to several synthetic insecticides and transgenic traits. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel strategies to enhance FAW and ECB management. This study focuses on evaluating siRNA coupled with nanoparticles to achieve gene silencing in FAW and ECB. To determine the efficacy of this technique, FAW and ECB neonates will be nebulized with PLGA (Ploy lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles) mixed with siRNA. By using nanoparticles, we intend to protect siRNA from degradation during delivery, increase siRNA bioavailability and therefore achieve gene silencing. Gene expression will be measured 24 and 120 hours after nebulization through qRT-PCR. Phenotypic effects will be recorded throughout the life cycle. Through this study we intent to exploit full RNAi potential and therefore provide a baseline for a consistent and reliable RNAi assay that can be used as a pest control strategy.