Gene-silencing technology to protect forests from invasive pests

A University of Kentucky forest entomologist is developing a pest-control approach using RNA interference (RNAi) to protect forests from the emerald ash borer and southern pine beetle, while minimizing impacts on surrounding wildlife. The research, supported by a cooperative agreement, aims to scale up the technology for practical use in controlling these destructive forest pests.

RNAi utilizes a natural cellular process to interfere with gene activity, with researchers designing double-stranded RNA that corresponds to a target insect's genetic sequence. Studies have shown that RNAi treatments are highly specific, with low chances of affecting nontarget organisms. Researchers are investigating treatments that can protect individual trees for emerald ash borer and have developed an approach for southern pine beetle by modifying fungal partners to produce the RNA. The goal is to provide targeted protection for trees from these invasive pests.

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