RNA interference (RNAi) applications to the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Its current trends and future prospects

Abstract

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is among the invasive insect pests that damages maize and sorghum, the high-priority crops in newly colonized agro-ecologies, including African contexts. Owing to the increasing infestation of the pest and the limitations of current conventional methods for its management, there is a call for discovering advanced pest management approaches. RNA interference (RNAi) is an emerging molecular tool showing flexible potential for the management of S. frugiperda. We conducted a search of the recent application of RNAi literature using Google Scholar and Mendeley to find advanced papers on S. frugiperda management using RNAi molecular tools that led to growth inhibition, developmental aberrations, reduced fecundity, and mortality, mainly by disruption of normal biological processes of the pest. Although efforts have been made to accelerate the utility of RNAi, many factors limit the efficiency of RNAi to achieve successful control over S. frugiperda. Owing to RNAi’s potential bioactivity and economic and ecological acceptability, continued research efforts should focus on improving its broad applicability, including field conditions. Screening and identification of key target genes should be a priority task to achieve effective and sustainable management of this insect via RNAi. In addition, a clear understanding of the present status of RNAi utilization in S. frugiperda management is of paramount importance to improve its efficiency. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the biology of S. frugiperda and the RNAi mechanism as a foundation for the molecular management of the pest. Then, we discuss the current knowledge of the RNAi approach in S. frugiperda management and the factors affecting the efficiency of RNAi application. Finally, the prospects for RNAi-based insect pest management are highlighted for future research to achieve effective management of S. frugiperda.

Binding Properties of Odorant-Binding Protein 7 to Host Volatiles in Larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda

“…59 However, our study and other reports showed the feasibility and positive outcomes in S. frugiperda. 60 In addition, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system-mediated gene editing could effectively knockout the target genes. 40 In the…”

Leveraging RNA Interference to Impact Insecticide Resistance in the Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

“…Examples of targets potentially underlying insecticide resistance in L. decemlineata and explored using dsRNA-based approaches are shown in Table 4 . Furthermore, while it is challenging to highlight these studies in the current work, it is relevant to underline that such an approach has seems promising to control a variety of insect pests, including the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda [ 78 ], the whitefly Bemisia tabaci [ 79 ], and the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis [ 80 ].…”

“…Examples of targets potentially underlying insecticide resistance in L. decemlineata and explored using dsRNA-based approaches are shown in Table 4. Furthermore, while it is challenging to highlight these studies in the current work, it is relevant to underline that such an approach has seems promising to control a variety of insect pests, including the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda [78], the whitefly Bemisia tabaci [79], and the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis [80]. ABCH278B, ABCH278C, ABCG1041A Imidacloprid dsRNA feeding in adults [51] CncC, CYP6BJa/b, CYP6BJ1v1, CYP9Z25, CYP9Z29 Imidacloprid dsRNA feeding in adults [41] CP18.7, CYP9E2, Glutathione synthetase Imidacloprid dsRNA feeding in larvae [77] While several advantages are associated with strategies that rely on RNAi-based approaches to overcome insecticide resistance in insect pests, multiple challenges are, nevertheless, linked with their use in field-based applications and have been reviewed elsewhere [63,[81][82][83].…”

Functional Characterization and Putative Regulatory Mechanism of an RNAi Efficiency-Related Nuclease (REase) in the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

“…Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of new control strategies of FAW. Recently, RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has evolved as a promising strategy for the management of insect pests including FAW. − …”