Research Explorer

Project

Optimizing RNA interference for pest control
Code
01SC4817
Duration
01 March 2017 → 30 September 2020
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Plant biology
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Agricultural plant production
    • Horticultural production
Keywords
RNAi dsRNA uptake delivery systems polymers mortality species-specificity pest control
 
Project description
 

RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism, triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which holds great potential for pest control. But it still has several limitations remaining to be solved such as less sensitivity to dsRNA, efficacy of RNAi-induced mortality, species-specificity. In this project we will explore different strategies to improve the efficiency and specificity of dsRNA-induced mortality in insects.