A gene silencing of V-ATPase subunit A interferes with survival and development of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta

Arch Insect Biochem Physiol. 2021 Jan;106(1):e21753. doi: 10.1002/arch.21753. Epub 2020 Oct 30.

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) technology is not only considered as a tool to analyze gene function, but it is also potentially considered as a strategy to develop novel biopesticide. In the current study, a double-stranded RNA specific to v-ATPase subunit A of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick; Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was orally administered. A gradual decrease in the expression of the gene was observed from Day 1 to 3 and resulted in significant larval mortality. These results suggest that v-ATPases A can be considered as a promising target gene by RNAi technology to be used in the management of the tomato leafminer.

Keywords: RNAi; dsRNA; gene expression; target gene; tomato leafminer.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases* / drug effects
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases* / genetics
  • Animals
  • Biological Control Agents
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Larva / genetics
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Moths* / genetics
  • Moths* / growth & development
  • Pest Control
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / pharmacology*
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Biological Control Agents
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases