Location: Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research
Project Number: 8062-22000-023-028-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2025
End Date: Aug 31, 2026
Objective:
The specific objective of this project is to design and validate nanocarrier-encapsulated dsRNA as an effective RNAi-inducer against potato nematodes.
Approach:
We will use the nematode-Arabidopsis pathosystem to optimize the nanocarrier-delivered RNAi system. Biodegradable zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) micro and nanoparticles will be selected to encapsulate dsRNA targeting 16D10 or other essential genes required for nematode growth and development (e.g., the ribosomal protein gene RPL and actin genes). The nanocarriers will be characterized for stability, dsRNA protection, and uptake efficiency, with experiments to be conducted in the Song lab focusing on testing ZIF-8-encapsulated dsRNA under various stress conditions, such as temperature (e.g., 30°C, 40°C), pH (e.g., 4.0–10.0), UV exposure, and RNase treatment, to simulate environments where plant roots grow.