Overcoming Aphids Through Gene Silencing

Scientists from Kansas State University are one step closer to discovering the mechanism of insect resistance to some pesticides. The scientists reported that by silencing a gene highly expressed in the pea aphid salivary glands, the insect’s lifespan was cut by more than 50 percent. Proteins present in insects’ saliva have been known to play roles in conferring pesticide resistance.

Entomology professor and main author, John Reese, said that the findings could lead to new ways in controlling insects in important crops like wheat, alfalfa, soybeans, corn and sorghum. "If we can figure out how to get a plant to prevent the functioning of an insect pest's gene, we can turn that plant into a non-host for that pest," Reese said.

Aphids are serious crop pests worldwide. A study first published by the Iowa State University in 2005 found that soybean aphids alone had the potential to cause approximately 3 million acres to be sprayed and to cause yield losses of more than 55 million bushels, equivalent to about US $250 million. Aphids are also carriers of viruses and other plant pathogens.

For more information read http://www.k-state.edu/ or http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/node/53.