Insecticidal RNAi and Next-Generation Pest Control

A Special Issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450) belonging to the section "Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2027 | Viewed by 965

Editor

National Engineering Research Center of Sugarcane, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Interests: insect RNAi; plant-insect interaction; pest control; insect physiology and molecular biology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The escalating challenges of insecticide resistance and environmental concerns demand innovative, species-selective strategies for pest management. RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a transformative approach, offering the potential to silence essential genes in target pests while preserving beneficial organisms. This Special Issue, “Insecticidal RNAi and Next-Generation Pest Control,” focuses on the latest advances in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) design, delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles, symbionts, or plant-mediated expression), and the elucidation of mechanisms governing dsRNA uptake, processing, and systemic spread. We also welcome studies addressing key bottlenecks such as variable RNAi efficiency across insect orders, off-target effects, and environmental stability of dsRNA. Contributions that integrate RNAi with other biotechnological or agroecological tactics for integrated pest management (IPM) are also encouraged. By showcasing cutting-edge research and critical perspectives, this issue aims to accelerate the development and responsible deployment of RNAi-based products as effective, next-generation tools for sustainable crop protection and vector control.

Dr. Jinda Wang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • RNA interference (RNAi)
  • dsRNA delivery
  • insecticidal RNAi
  • integrated pest management (IPM)
  • off-target effects
  • RNAi efficiency

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1423 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Following LmRab11A Knockdown Reveals Its Role in Metabolic Regulation and Molting in Locusta migratoria
by Mureed Abbas, Yiyan Zhao, Abdul Basit, Jianqin Zhang, Xuemei Qin and Yunhe Fan
Insects 2026, 17(8), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080803 - 3 Aug 2026
Viewed by 445
Abstract
Rab proteins are key members of the Ras superfamily that regulate vesicular trafficking in eukaryotic cells, ensuring accurate cargo transport and cellular homeostasis. To investigate the functional role of Rab proteins, RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to silence LmRab11A in Locusta migratoria, [...] Read more.
Rab proteins are key members of the Ras superfamily that regulate vesicular trafficking in eukaryotic cells, ensuring accurate cargo transport and cellular homeostasis. To investigate the functional role of Rab proteins, RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to silence LmRab11A in Locusta migratoria, followed by integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Transcriptomic profiling identified 54 downregulated and 71 upregulated genes upon LmRab11A knockdown. Based on Log2 fold change values and statistical significance, 15 downregulated genes were selected for further analysis. RT-qPCR validation confirmed that 9 of these genes were significantly downregulated following LmRab11A silencing. Subsequent RNAi-mediated knockdown of these 9 genes revealed that silencing of only LOCMI11062 (β-tubulin) resulted in 100% mortality and severe morphological defects in locust nymphs, indicating its critical role in development. Metabolomic analysis identified 11 significantly altered metabolites, including 8 exhibiting increased abundance and 3 exhibiting decreased abundance. Spearman correlation analysis between the 9 downregulated genes and the altered metabolites suggested potential associations between 6 metabolites and specific genes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that suppression of LmRab11A disrupts downstream gene expression and alters the metabolite network, thereby impairing growth and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insecticidal RNAi and Next-Generation Pest Control)
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Review

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15 pages, 9457 KB  
Review
Research Progress on Target Gene Screening and the Precise Control Potential of Diaphorina citri Using RNA Interference
by Liping Ye, Zhenrui He, Xiang Li, Aijun Huang, Jun Zhou and Long Yi
Insects 2026, 17(9), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17090953 - 12 Sep 2026
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is the primary natural vector of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). Prolonged use of chemical pesticides leads to insect resistance, reduces control efficacy, and causes ecological pollution. RNA interference (RNAi) enables sequence-specific gene silencing, representing a promising precision strategy for managing D. [...] Read more.
Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is the primary natural vector of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). Prolonged use of chemical pesticides leads to insect resistance, reduces control efficacy, and causes ecological pollution. RNA interference (RNAi) enables sequence-specific gene silencing, representing a promising precision strategy for managing D. citri. This review summarizes advances in RNAi-based control of D. citri, focusing on three groups of target gene screening strategies based on essential functional genes, behavioral regulation genes, and D. citri-Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) interaction genes. It also compares double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery systems and highlights key bottlenecks, including poor stability, inefficient delivery, off-target effects, and resistance evolution. Future research should focus on optimizing target gene screening, developing efficient delivery systems, and enhancing ecological safety assessments. Integrating RNAi technology with various environmentally friendly management strategies will advance the sustainable control of D. citri and citrus HLB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insecticidal RNAi and Next-Generation Pest Control)
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