Differential RNAi efficacy of siRNA and dsRNA targeting key genes for pest control in Spodoptera litura

• DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2025.1574585
• Publication Date: 2025-04-30T05:37:35Z
• Authors: Yu-Chun Lin; Yun-Heng Lu; Yun Liu; Yu-Juan Su; Yu-Hsien Lin; Yueh-Lung Wu
• Keywords: Spodoptera litura; RNA Silencing

RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising gene-silencing technique for pest control that targets essential genes. We assessed the potential of double-stranded (dsRNA) and small interfering (siRNA) to silence mesh or iap genes in midguts Spodoptera litura larvae. Despite theoretical promise RNAi approaches, our findings revealed dsRNA did not induce significant gene silencing impact larval growth, whereas siRNA exhibited clear insecticidal effects, likely by disrupting intestinal osmoregulation impairing fitness. Detailed analysis indicated could be efficiently converted into functional S. litura, possibly due low expression levels Dicer-2 rapid degradation within gut environment. Furthermore, while demonstrated greater environmental stability than under soil conditions, inability process effectively limits its viability as agent. These indicate critical role RNAi-mediated highlight challenges limitations employing dsRNA-based genetic pesticides lepidopteran species.