Evaluation of expression of candidate genes in interference RNA (iRNA)system in Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), vector of citrus Huanglongbing

Abstract

Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) is one of most important vectors of citrus diseases. It transmits the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter americanus and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agents of citrus huanglongbing (HLB). The management of HLB in Brazil is based on the use of healthy young plants from protected nurseries, eradication of infected plants, and chemical control of the vector. However, the intense and continuous use of insecticides is not sustainable, not only due to the financial costs but mainly because the environmental losses. New technologies, such as gene silencing by RNA interference (iRNA), have been used as new approaches to the control of pests and vectors aiming to reduce the high costs of developing new molecules, and make their control more efficient and specific. Recent studies have shown effective results using RNAi to silence important genes to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and synthesis of chitin. This study aims to analyze the regulation of gene expression, mortality and/or phenotypic changes of Diaphorina citri in response to RNAi targeted genes. Coding region of target genes were selected and amplified by RT-PCR, their sequences were confirmed for the subsequent production of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) by in vitro transcription. Tests will be performed in vivo corporation with different concentrations of dsRNA via insect feeding. Changes in the quantitative and temporal expression of target genes will be confirmed by quantitative PCR. (AU)