Development and characterization of the first dsRNA-resistant insect population from western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte

PLoS One. 2018 May 14;13(5):e0197059. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197059. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

The use of dsRNA to control insect pests via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway is being explored by researchers globally. However, with every new class of insect control compounds, the evolution of insect resistance needs to be considered, and understanding resistance mechanisms is essential in designing durable technologies and effective resistance management strategies. To gain insight into insect resistance to dsRNA, a field screen with subsequent laboratory selection was used to establish a population of DvSnf7 dsRNA-resistant western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, a major maize insect pest. WCR resistant to ingested DvSnf7 dsRNA had impaired luminal uptake and resistance was not DvSnf7 dsRNA-specific, as indicated by cross resistance to all other dsRNAs tested. No resistance to the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 protein was observed. DvSnf7 dsRNA resistance was inherited recessively, located on a single locus, and autosomal. Together these findings will provide insights for dsRNA deployment for insect pest control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • Coleoptera / genetics*
  • Pest Control, Biological
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / genetics*
  • Zea mays / parasitology*

Substances

  • RNA, Double-Stranded

Grants and funding

All authors are Monsanto employees, and Monsanto accepted no outside funding for this research represented in this manuscript. The funder (Monsanto) provided support in the form of salaries for all authors, and also played a role in the design, data analysis and the decision to publish. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the 'author contributions' section.