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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research » Research » Research Project #430198
Research Project: Development of Novel Insect Control Strategies Based on RNAi and Insect Deterrent Proteins for Insect Pests of Citrus

Location: Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research

Project Number: 6034-22320-007-009-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 1, 2016
End Date: Jan 29, 2020

Objective:
Molecular-based research identifying protein and Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) molecules that have insect deterrent activity when ingested by the insect pests (Asian citrus psyllid Diaprepes, root weevil and Whitefly) of citrus.

Approach:
Use of insect bioassays and development of transgenic and paratransgenic plants to study the activity of protein and Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) molecules against agricultural pest insects and plant diseases vectored by these insects. Specific methods include double stranded (dsRNA) and peptide synthesis, messenger (mRNA) and protein characterization insect feeding bioassays and development of transgenic plants.