Location: Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research
Project Number: 8062-22410-007-065-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: May 27, 2025
End Date: Nov 30, 2026
Objective:
Overall Goal: Engineer an entomopathogenic fungus to express dsRNA for delivery via a novel autodissemination trap for efficient RNAi-based control of wood-boring insects.
Specific Objective 1: Optimize dsRNA expression for entomopathogenic fungal strains expressing effective RNAi targets of EAB. This objective will screen 5-10 engineered strains expressing dsRNA for host expressing highest amount of dsRNA.
Specific Objective 2: Screen engineered entomopathogenic strains with highest expression of dsRNA targets to identify those also showing highest efficacy in killing EAB in in-vitro assays.
Specific Objective 3: Test efficacy of novel oviposition traps for delivery of fungi and dsRNA in a more realistic tree seedlings greenhouse assay.
Approach:
Specific Objective 1: Develop, optimize, and screen engineered strains to optimize dsRNA expression. targets against Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). We may experiment with promoters and different transformation sites and test expression of introduced dsRNA into supernatant to identify strain expressing highest levels.
Specific Objective 2: Screen top 1-5 engineered entomopathogenic strains with highest expression of dsRNA targets to identify those also showing highest efficacy in killing EAB in in-vitro assays. We will use topical applications to eggs as well as topical application to larvae and adults. Dose-response curves will identify optimal application rates.
Specific Objective 3: Test novel oviposition traps for delivery of fungi and dsRNA. The engineered fungus will be tested in a more realistic greenhouse seedling assays with oviposition traps as a method to lure and deliver the fungus to adult eab females prior to egg-laying.
