Advancements in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technology for effective management of forest insect pests

Abstract

The emergence of forest insects as a result of climatic changes presents traditional management strategies with significant challenges. RNA interference (RNAi) has attracted attention as a possible innovative forest conservation strategy. By eliciting gene silencing with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), RNAi can effectively control insect pests, especially those belonging to the order Coleoptera. However, RNAi implementation in forest pest management is hindered by varying efficacy, target gene selection, dsRNA design and delivery techniques, particularly for long-lived endophagous insects such as bark beetles and Asian long-horned beetles. This review examines the development of forest pest-combating RNAi delivery systems such as nanoparticles, symbiont-mediated, cationic liposome-assisted and plant-mediated delivery. The study highlights the need for risk assessments of forest protection products (FPPs) using double-stranded RNA and suggests integrating off-target prediction capabilities based on sequence complementarity analysis. Despite obstacles, RNAi shows promise for controlling wood-boring beetles, and additional research could boost its effectiveness against these insects.