DSRNA AS INSECT CONTROL AGENT

摘要

The invention includes an expression vector engineered to produce double- stranded RNA (dsRNA) within a pest to be controlled. The dsRNA inhibits expression of at least one gene within the pest, wherein inhibition of the gene exerts a deleterious effect upon the pest. For example, inhibition of t he gene can lead to cessation of feeding, growth, or development and can cause death of the pest. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the expression vector is a recombinant baculovirus that transcribes sense and antisense RNA under the control of the baculovirus IE-1 promoter and hr5 enhancer. Preferr ed genes to be inhibited include essential genes, genes involved in neurotransmission, and genes that are targets for conventional pesticides. T he invention discloses baculovirus transfer plasmids useful for producing the recombinant baculovirus. The invention further discloses methods and formulations involving the expression vector.