The challenge of RNAi-mediated control of hemipterans

• RNAi efficiency in Hemiptera has been shown to be variable.
• There is a proof of concept for hemipteran RNAi through GM plants, expressing dsRNA.
• Degradation of dsRNA in insect body may contribute to a deficient RNAi response.
• Viral interactions can interfere with RNAi machinery components availability.

The post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism RNA interference (RNAi) has potential as a crop protection strategy against important pest insects. Here we focus on Hemiptera pests, comprising some of the most devastating pest organisms as aphids, whiteflies, psyllids, bedbugs and kissing bugs. At first, a state-of-the-art overview is provided of the progress in RNAi in Hemiptera, as well as on the challenges when developing new RNAi-based pest control strategies against hemipteran pests, such as the delivery of dsRNA and degradation in the insect body. We also discuss the variability in RNAi efficiency as observed between species and experiments, and the factors potentially responsible for this phenomenon.

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