An introduction to RNAi- and CRISPR/Cas9-based methods for the control of pest insects

Abstract

Among the various transgenic technologies that have been developed in the last decades, some were successfully applied for plant protection by interfering with gene expression while targeting RNA sequences (RNA-interference, RNAi) or through a direct and precise editing of genomes (CRISPR-gene editing). Among their various applications, molecular research has explored the use of RNAi and CRISPR across various organisms, including plants and their pathogens, among which, case studies on insects are not missing. By interfering with the fitness of pest insects and by their capacity to generate sterile individuals, these techniques have potential as alternative methods for integrated pest management. This seminar will introduce students to the theory behind RNAi and CRISPR and it will advance some recent examples for their applications. The seminar will also discuss some of the main limitations that these techniques have encountered in the legislation of the European Union.