Transgenic plants expressing immunosuppressive dsRNA improve entomopathogen efficacy against Spodoptera littoralis larvae

Abstract Transgenic plants that express double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting vital insect genes have recently emerged as a valuable new tool for pest control. In this study, tobacco were transformed to produce dsRNA Sl 102 gene is involved in the immune response of Spodoptera littoralis larvae, serious lepidopteran several crops. Experimental larvae reared on transgenic lines showed (1) strongly reduced level transcripts, which was positively associated with food consumption; (2) substantial impairment encapsulation mediated by hemocytes; and (3) marked increase susceptibility Xentari™, Bacillus thuringiensis -based insecticide. Importantly, approach may allow reduction doses B. used field applications enhance its killing activity mature larvae. The results obtained thus support use immunosuppressive RNAi performance microbial insecticides