RNA interference-mediated tolerance to whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in genetically engineered tomato

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a polyphagous insect that causes huge damage in several horticultural crops, including tomato, by sucking nutrients from the phloem and transmitting viruses. Whiteflies are particularly difficult to manage use of chemicals remains common practice, which development insecticidal resistance. Thus, there considerable interest introduction resistance whitefly classical molecular breeding. Here, we explored concept using an RNA interference construct silence v-ATPase gene whiteflies interacting with transgenic tomato plants express siRNA molecules corresponding fragment B. tabaci vATPase. PCR analyses revealed presence both ΔATPase nptII transgenes all lines. expressing lines were challenged against mortality rate 57.1% line 4.4.1, while control was 7.6%. Mortality 2nd instar nymphs higher on 3rd slightly longer than plants. Although attraction insects not significantly different between treatments, number eggs laid lower, compared controls. RT-qPCR decreased expression level endogenous feeding No unexpected effect observed non-target Myzus persicae or Tuta absoluta. Results presented here may form foundation for generation elite varieties resistant whitefly, devastating pest. Genetically modified generated vATPase small interfering RNA. Transgenic tolerant no