The molecular interplay of the establishment of an infection - gene expression of Diaphorina citri gut and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus.

Background: Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) is one the causative agents of greening disease in citrus, an unccurable, devastating disease of citrus worldwide. CLas is vectored by Diaphorina citri, and the understanding of the molecular interplay between vector and pathogen will provide additional basis for the development and implementation of successful management strategies. We focused in the molecular interplay occurring in the gut of the vector, a major barrier for CLas invasion and colonization.

Methods for Delivery of dsRNAs for Agricultural Pest Control: The Case of Lepidopteran Pests.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism of gene regulation, highly conserved in eukaryotes. Since the elucidation of the gene silencing mechanism, RNAi became an important tool used in insect reverse genetics. The demonstration of effective target-gene silencing by ingestion of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced by transgenic plants indicated the RNAi potential to be used in insect pest management, particularly in agriculture.