Topical application of dsRNAs in tomato plants for the control of tomato chlorosis virus through the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism.

• Grant number: 25/00460-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Gabriel Madoglio Favara
• Grantee: Vinicius Floriano Negrão
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/03451-8 - Topical application of dsRNA to control passion fruit woodiness disease caused by cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus, AP.R

Abstract

Bemisia tabaci is one of the major pests in global agriculture. The primary damage caused by this insect is the transmission of plant viruses, notably the crinivirus tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV). Currently, ToCV is one of the predominant viruses affecting tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) in Brazil. Under conditions of high inoculum and vector pressure, production losses can be significant. Control of ToCV is primarily achieved through frequent applications of insecticides aimed at eliminating B. tabaci. To date, no tomato cultivars resistant to this crinivirus have been developed, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to manage ToCV. Gene silencing through the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism has emerged as a promising alternative for controlling pests, vectors, and plant pathogens. This mechanism is activated by the presence of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules within cells, leading to sequence-specific degradation of RNAs that share homology with the nucleotide sequence of the activating dsRNAs. In this study, dsRNAs homologous to different regions of the ToCV genome will be applied to tomato plants to control the virus via the RNAi mechanism. The effect of dsRNA application on ToCV infection rate and viral concentration in tomato plants will be assessed through symptom observation and RT-qPCR. The results obtained may contribute to understanding the potential use of dsRNAs for ToCV management in tomato plants, aiming to reduce the damage caused by this crinivirus in tomato cultivation.