Devastation of citrus crops by plant-infecting bacteria C. Liberibacter associated with Huanglongbing, Citrus Greening Disease, ruins fruit quality, reduces yield, and results in tree death causing losses in the millions of dollars and in thousands of jobs. Heavy use of insecticides has reduced the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, which spreads the bacterium, resulting in secondary pest emergence. Gene-based pest and disease management, such as RNA interference, RNAi, provides a highly specific pest control strategy. RNAi is a natural, immune, defense mechanism that allows the cell to recognize and cleave dsRNA, suppressing corresponding messenger RNA, thus disrupting protein production. An RNAi approach which reduces a specific pest population while leaving beneficial insects unharmed would be good for the growers, public, and the environment. The aim of this research: the development of a commercial RNAi-based product against the Asian citrus psyllid to reduce the spread of the devastating pathogen associated with Citrus Greening Disease.

Challenges and considerations for RNAi-based technologies in insect management (hemipterans: aphids, leafhoppers, psyllids)

248th National Meeting (2014)

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