Instar-dependent systemic RNA interference response in Leptinotarsa decemlineata larvae

- Responses to dsLdSAHase varied between instars.
- Exposure to dsegfp for 6 h led to an increase in the mRNA levels of 4 core RNAi genes in an instar-dependent manner.
- Continuous exposure for 72 h significantly repressed the expression.
- dsLdSAHase-caused mortalities were influenced by previous dsegfp exposure.
- The activities of core RNAi-machinery proteins affect RNAi efficiency.