hRNAi-mediated knock-down of Sphenophorus levis V-ATPase E in transgenic sugarcane (Saccharum spp interspecific hybrid) affects the insect growth and survival

Autor(es)

Mohan, Chakravarthi ^[1] ; Shibao, Priscila Yumi Tanaka ^[1] ; de Paula, Fernando Fonseca Pereira ^[1] ; Toyama, Danyelle ^[1] ; Vieira, Marcos Antonio Sanches ^[2] ; Figueira, Antonio ^[3] ; Scotton, Danielle ^[3] ; Soares-Costa, Andrea ^[1] ; Henrique-Silva, Flavio ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Genet & Evolut, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Ctr Agr Sci, Araras, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Nucl Energy Agr, Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Plant Cell Reports; v. 40, n. 3, p. 507-516, MAR 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

Key message Transgenic sugarcane expressing V-ATPase subunit E dsRNA affects growth and survival of Sphenophorus levis. Plants being sessile organisms are constantly confronted with several biotic and abiotic stresses. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp) is a major tropical crop widely cultivated for its sugar and other by-products. In Brazil, sugarcane plantations account for significant production losses due to Sphenophorus levis (sugarcane weevil) infestations. With the existing control measures being less effective, there arises a necessity for advanced strategies. Our bioassay injection experiments with V-ATPase E dsRNA in S. levis larvae showed significant mortality and reduction in transcription levels. Furthermore, we down-regulated the V-ATPase E gene of S. levis in transgenic sugarcane using an RNAi approach. The resultant RNAi transgenic lines exhibited reduction in larval growth and survival, without compromising plant performance under controlled environment. Our results illustrate that RNAi-mediated down-regulation of key genes is a promising approach in imparting resistance to sugarcane weevil. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 15/10855-9 - Desenvolvimento de cana-de-açúcar transgênica mais resistente ao Sphenophorus levis
• Beneficiário: Chakravarthi Mohan
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado