Transgenic soybean plants expressing Spb18S dsRNA exhibit enhanced resistance to the soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae)

Abstract

The soybean pod borer [SPB; Leguminivora glycinivorella (Mats.) Obraztsov] is a major soybean pest in northeastern Asia. A useful method for addressing this problem is the generation of transgenic plants producing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that target essential insect genes. In this study, we confirmed that 18S ribosomal RNA is critical for SPB development. Downregulated Spb18S expression induced by dsRNA injection increased larval mortality rates and resulted in early pupation. We also assessed whether Spb18S is silenced in SPB larvae fed on transgenic soybean expressing Spb18S dsRNA. Transgenic plants downregulated Spb18S expression levels and second-instar larval survival rates. Moreover, such plants were less damaged by SPB larvae than control plants under field conditions.

Prospects, challenges and current status of RNAi through insect feeding

“…Therefore, nuclear transformation is still a commonly used strategy to develop dsRNA‐expressing transgenic plants . The nuclear transformed soybean plant expressing dsRNA against 18S ribosomal RNA showed 35% mortality in Leguminivora glycinivorella with reduced plant damage compared to control . Similarly, a recent study screened 50 genes in D. v. virgifera and Meligethes aeneus and four highly vital target genes were selected.…”

“…97 The nuclear transformed soybean plant expressing dsRNA against 18S ribosomal RNA showed 35% mortality in Leguminivora glycinivorella with reduced plant damage compared to control. 98 Similarly, a recent study screened 50 genes in D. v. virgifera and Meligethes aeneus and four highly vital target genes were selected. Furthermore, nuclear transformed transgenic maize plants were developed expressing dsRNA against selected four genes: Ras opposite (Rop), DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit (RpII140), chromatin regulator (Dre4), and Pre-mRNA-splicing factor (ncm).…”

Alteration of insulin signaling to control insect pest by using transformed bacteria expressing dsRNA

“…Recombinant bacteria expressing dsRNA have shown a significant RNAi effect after feeding, resulting in target insect mortality. This has been demonstrated by feeding such bacteria to Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata and oriental armyworm, Myrthimna separata . Furthermore, transgenic plants expressing dsRNA in a hairpin form have been constructed and show significant RNAi efficacy …”

“…This has been demonstrated by feeding such bacteria to Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata 15 and oriental armyworm, Myrthimna separata. 16 Furthermore, transgenic plants expressing dsRNA in a hairpin form have been constructed and show significant RNAi efficacy. [17][18][19] The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), infests leaves, flowers, and pods of leguminous crops in subtropical and tropical regions.…”

Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the mechanisms of overwintering diapause in soybean pod borer (Leguminivora glycinivorella)

“…northeastern China, North Korea, Japan, and Russian Far East. [1][2][3] Hatched larvae enter the pod and use the young beans as a food source until they develop into fourth instar larvae, causing considerable loss of yield and seed quality. [4][5][6] Insecticides have been used to control L. glycinivorella infestations over the past four decades.…”