RNAi-Based Biopesticides Against 28-Spotted Ladybeetle Does Not Harm the Insect Predator .

RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of the notorious pest is an emerging environment friendly research area. However, the characterization of key target genes in is crucial for this. Additionally, assessing the risk of RNAi to nontarget organisms (NTOs) is necessary for environmental safety. In this study, the potential of RNAi technology in controlling infestation has been investigated by the oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results revealed that the silencing of six genes, including , , , , , and , was highly lethal to . The LC values of the dsRNAs used to silence these six genes were found to be less than 13 ng/μL. Moreover, the use of the bacterially expressed dsRNAs caused high mortality in the lab and field populations of . Further, administration of and dsRNAs in the predatory lady beetle confirmed no transcriptional or organismal levels effects. This risk-assessment result ensured no off-target RNAi effects on the NTOs. Overall, the findings of the study suggested that , , , , , and can be novel promising molecular targets with high specificity for management with negligible effects on the NTOs.