RNAi for the control of insects and arachnids

摘要

The present invention describes a new non-compound based approach for insect and/or arachnid control. The present inventors have identified for the first time novel targets for RNAi, which can effectively control insect and/or arachnid pest populations. Accordingly, the invention provides both nucleotide and amino acid sequences for the novel targets. Also provided are RNA constructs including double stranded RNA regions for mediating RNAi in insects, DNA constructs, expression vectors, host cells and compositions for controlling insects and/or arachnids using RNAi. Finally, the invention also provides for the use of the constructs, vectors, host cells and compositions in control of insects and/or arachnids populations and suitable kits for use in an RNAi based method of controlling insect and/or arachnid pests.

主权项

1. An RNA construct comprising at least one double stranded RNA region, at least one strand of which comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 24 nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 11, 19, and 20, or the complement thereof, or an orthologous nucleotide sequence from a Blattodea species, wherein the orthologous nucleotide sequence has at least 80% sequence identity with the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein the percentage sequence identity is calculated over the same length.