LAUSR

BACKGROUND Silencing specific genes in pests through RNA interference technology is a promising new pest-control strategy. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most important citrus pest because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes huanglongbing. Chitin is essential for insect development, and enzymes in this pathway are attractive targets for pest control. RESULTS The hexokinase gene DcHK was characterized from D. citri to impair proper growth and chitin synthesis through RNA interference. The transcription of DcHK was more highly developed in third-instar nymphs, adults, and the Malpighian tube. The RNAi needed for D. citri is dose-dependent, with 600 ng/μL dsDcHK sufficient to knockdown endogenous DcHK expression. The mRNA level was lowest at 36 h from dosing, and there were significant effects on the relative levels of mRNA level in the chitin synthesis pathway (DcTre, DcG6PI, DcGNAT, DcGFAT, DcPGM, DcUAP, and DcCHS), leading to mortality, reduced body weight, and abnormal or lethal phenotypes. CONCLUSION RNAi can be triggered by orally delivered dsRNA in D. citri. These results can provide support for HK genes as a new potential target for citrus psyllid control. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.