REVIEW
RNA interference for hemipteran pest control: mechanisms, resistance factors, and advances in delivery systems
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Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052, Opole, Poland
A - Research concept and design; B - Collection and/or assembly of data; C - Data analysis and interpretation; D - Writing the article; E - Critical revision of the article; F - Final approval of article
Submission date: 2025-08-01
Acceptance date: 2025-09-30
Online publication date: 2026-08-13
Corresponding author
Anna Zielińska
Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Oleska 22, 45-052, Opole, Poland
HIGHLIGHTS
- RNA interference enables targeted gene silencing in hemipteran pest species
- Physiological, genetic, and environmental factors limit RNAi efficiency in Hemiptera
- Advances in delivery platforms enhance dsRNA uptake and stability
- Targeting guided by multi-omics delays resistance
- RNAi enables selective and eco-friendly pest control
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
RNA interference (RNAi) represents a species-specific and environmentally sustainable
strategy for the control of hemipteran pests, including aphids, whiteflies, psyllids,
and stinkbugs. This review integrates current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms
of RNAi in insects and its translational applications in crop protection, with particular
focus on host-induced gene silencing (HIGS, transgenic expression of dsRNA in planta)
and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). The biological effects of gene knockdown – such
as reduced survival, impaired development, and disrupted feeding – are discussed alongside
physiological, genetic, and epigenetic factors limiting RNAi efficacy in Hemiptera. Key
challenges include dsRNA degradation in the digestive tract, inefficient cellular uptake, and
limited systemic spread. Recent innovations – including nanocarrier-based delivery, biodegradable
formulations, and transplastomic expression – are critically evaluated. Similarly,
advances in target gene identification using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, as
well as risk assessment tools for minimizing non-target effects, support the rational design
of RNAi-based biopesticides. As RNAi technologies advance, their incorporation into integrated
pest management strategies may facilitate species-specific, residue-free control of
hemipteran pests while supporting the conservation of agroecosystem biodiversity.
FUNDING
The authors declare that no specific funding was received
for the preparation of this manuscript. The research
and writing of this article were conducted without
external financial support.
RESPONSIBLE EDITOR
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors have declared that no conflict of interests exist.
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