Molecular characterization and CRISPR/Cas9 validation of the precursor of egg yolk protein gene, vitellogenin of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Vitellogenin (Vg), a yolk protein precursor, plays an important role in the oocyte development of insects and is an important target of genetic pest management. Vg is synthesized in the fat body, transported through haemolymph and accumulates in developing oocytes. In this regard, the eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the major pest in South and South East Asia and a serious concern for farmers.

CRISPR/Cas12a ribonucleoprotein mediated editing of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase of Spodoptera frugiperda.

In insect genome editing CRISPR/Cas9 is predominantly employed, while the potential of several classes of Cas enzymes such as Cas12a largely remain untested. As opposed to Cas9 which requires a GC-rich protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), Cas12a requires a T-rich PAM and causes staggered cleavage in the target DNA, opening possibilities for multiplexing. In this regard, the utility of Cas12a has been shown in only a few insect species such as fruit flies and the silkworm, but not in non-model insects such as the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a globally important invasive pest that defies most of the current management methods.

CRISPR/Cas9 mediated validation of spermatogenesis-related gene, tssk2 as a component of genetic pest management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Invasive insect pests, currently, pose a serious economic threat to several staple crops all over the world, one such being the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. It was first observed in Africa since 2016, outside of its natural habitat in the Americas. Subsequently, it invaded several countries in South and South East Asia and also very recently in Australia.

CRISPR/Cas9 mediated editing of () gene disrupts mating in the Fall armyworm, (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Unlabelled: The Fall armyworm, , is a globally important invasive pest, primarily on corn, causing severe yield loss. Overuse of synthetic chemicals has caused significant ecological harm, and in many instances control has failed. Therefore, developing efficient, environmentally friendly substitutes for sustainable management of this pest is of high priority.

CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutagenesis of the major sex pheromone gene, acyl-CoA delta-9 desaturase (DES9) in Fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda is a significant global pest causing serious yield loss on several staple crops. In this regard, this pest defies several management approaches based on chemicals, Bt transgenics etc., requiring effective alternatives.