Mapping and CRISPR homology-directed repair of a recessive white eye mutation in Plodia moths

Abstract

The pantry moth <i>Plodia interpunctella</i> is a worldwide pest of stored food products and a promising laboratory model system for lepidopteran functional genomics. Here we describe efficient methods for precise genome editing in this insect. A spontaneous recessive white-eyed phenotype maps to a frameshift deletion (<i>c</i>.<i>737delC</i>) in the <i>white</i> gene. CRISPR NHEJ mutagenesis of <i>white</i> replicates this phenotype with high rates of somatic biallelic knockout. G₀ individuals with mutant clones on both eyes produced 100% mutant progeny, making <i>white</i> an ideal marker for co-conversion when targeting other genes. CRISPR HDR experiments corrected <i>c</i>.<i>737delC</i> and reverted white eyes to a pigmented state in 37% of G₀ mosaic adults. These repaired alleles showed practical rates of germline transmission in backcrosses, demonstrating the potential of the technique for precise genome editing. <i>Plodia</i> offers a promising avenue for research in this taxon because of its lab-ready features, egg injectability, and editability.