Efficacy of RNA interference using nanocarrier‐based transdermal dsRNA delivery system in the woolly apple aphid, <i>Eriosoma lanigerum</i>

Abstract

Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) is an essential approach for studying gene function and has been considered as a promising strategy for pest control. However, RNAi method has not been conducted in Woolly apple aphid ( Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann), one of the most damaging apple pests in the world. In the study, we investigated the efficacy of RNAi of V‐ATPase subunit D ( ATPD ), an efficacious target for RNAi in other insects, in E. lanigerum by a transdermal double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery system with nanocarriers. Our results showed although topical application of dsATPD in E. lanigerum for 24 h produced 40.5% gene silencing, the additional help of nanocarriers extremely improved the interference efficiency with 98.5% gene silencing. Moreover, a 55.75% mortality was observed 5 days after topical application of nanocarriers and dsATPD, relative to the control (topical application of nanocarriers and double‐stranded green fluorescent protein [dsGFP]). The nanocarrier‐based transdermal dsRNA delivery system will promote the development of functional analysis of vital genes and also provide a potential target for RNAi‐based management of E. lanigerum .