Down-regulating gene expression in insect pests

摘要

The present invention relates to genetic control of infestation by insect pest species, particularly prevention and/or control of pest infestation of plants, using interfering ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. Compositions and combinations containing the interfering RNA molecules of the invention for use in topical applications, for example in the form of insecticides.

主权项

1. An interfering ribonucleic acid (RNA) wherein the RNA comprises at least one silencing element wherein the silencing element is a region of double-stranded RNA comprising annealed complementary strands, one strand of which comprises a sequence of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides which is at least partially complementary to a target nucleotide sequence within an insect troponin I target gene, and wherein the interfering RNA (i) is at least 85% identical to at a 21 contiguous nucleotide fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1, or the complement thereof; or (ii) comprises at least a 21 contiguous nucleotide fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1, or the complement thereof; or (iii) comprises at least a 21 contiguous fragment of a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1, or the complement thereof, wherein the inferring RNA down regulates the troponin I target gene in a target insect pest species.