Fanli Meng1,2, Yang Li1, Zhenyuan Zang1, Na Li1, Ruixue Ran1, Yingxue Cao2, Tianyu Li2, Quan Zhou2, Wenbin Li1,2. 1. Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology, Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China. 2. Division of Soybean Breeding and Seed, Soybean Research & Development Center, CARS (Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetics & Breeding for Soybean in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture), Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The soybean pod borer [SPB; Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)] is the most important soybean pest in northeastern Asia. Silencing genes using plant-mediated RNA-interference is a promising strategy for controlling SPB infestations. The ribosomal protein P0 is important for protein translation and DNA repair in the SPB. Thus, transferring P0 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plants may help prevent SPB-induced damage. RESULTS: We investigated the effects of SpbP0 dsRNA injections and SpbP0 dsRNA-expressing transgenic soybean plants on the SPB. Larval mortality rates were greater for SpbP0 dsRNA-injected larvae (96%) than for the control larvae (31%) at 14 days after injections. Transgenic T2 soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA sustained less damage from SPB larvae than control plants. In addition, the expression level of the SpbP0 gene decreased and the mortality rate increased when SPB larvae were fed on T3 transgenic soybean pods. Moreover, the surviving larvae were deformed and exhibited inhibited growth. CONCLUSION: Silencing SpbP0 expression is lethal to the SPB. Transgenic soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA are more resistant to the SPB than wild-type plants. Thus, SpbP0 dsRNA-expressing transgenic plants may be useful for controlling insect pests.
BACKGROUND: The soybean pod borer [SPB; Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)] is the most important soybean pest in northeastern Asia. Silencing genes using plant-mediated RNA-interference is a promising strategy for controlling SPB infestations. The ribosomal protein P0 is important for protein translation and DNA repair in the SPB. Thus, transferring P0 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plants may help prevent SPB-induced damage. RESULTS: We investigated the effects of SpbP0 dsRNA injections and SpbP0 dsRNA-expressing transgenic soybean plants on the SPB. Larval mortality rates were greater for SpbP0 dsRNA-injected larvae (96%) than for the control larvae (31%) at 14 days after injections. Transgenic T2 soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA sustained less damage from SPB larvae than control plants. In addition, the expression level of the SpbP0 gene decreased and the mortality rate increased when SPB larvae were fed on T3 transgenic soybean pods. Moreover, the surviving larvae were deformed and exhibited inhibited growth. CONCLUSION: Silencing SpbP0 expression is lethal to the SPB. Transgenic soybean plants expressing SpbP0 dsRNA are more resistant to the SPB than wild-type plants. Thus, SpbP0 dsRNA-expressing transgenic plants may be useful for controlling insect pests.
Authors: Baida Alshukri; Federica Astarita; Mushtaq Al-Esawy; Hesham Mohamed El Sayed Abd El Halim; Francesco Pennacchio; Angharad Margaret Roscoe Gatehouse; Martin Gethin Edwards Journal: Pest Manag Sci Date: 2019-07-29 Impact factor: 4.845