Rethink RNAi in Insect Pest Control: Challenges and Perspectives
Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) usually referring to the small interfering (si)RNA pathway, is promising in the development of a new generation of insect pest control products. However, prior to its exploitation for insect pest control, it is important to consider potential limiting factors, such as immune response and fitness cost, RNAi efficiency and dsRNA degradation, and virus encoded suppressor of RNAi factors in the development of the RNAi based pest control strategy. Additional challenges such as lack of feasible dsRNA delivery methods in practice, low efficiency in pest control capacity and evolution of resistance to RNAi have largely constrained the application of RNAi in practice. This review highlights how insect ecology and integrated pest management principles, taking into account RNAi, could be exploited to promote sustainable insect pest control.