The goal of this project is to develop RNAi as a biopesticide to control kudzu bug in soybean. Research aims to first develop effective bioassay methods for kudzu bugs that will then be used in screening of candidate genes for RNAi identified from sequencing the genes expressed by kudzu bug. This approach allows for identifying genes that are critical to the kudzu bug survival that can be targeted for silencing with effective RNAi. Although a number of studies have already identified several genes as critical for insect survival in other species, the research team needs to perform sequencing of genes expressed by the kudzu bug so they can design the dsRNA molecules to specifically target these genes.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents