COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PESTS

• US 20170029846A1
• Filed: 04/22/2015
• Published: 02/02/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Tsutsui, Neil D., Tonione, Maria
• Granted Patent: US 10,450,583 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 15/1137 against enzymes viral enzymes C12N15/1131; receptors C12N15/1138
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 15/8286 for insect resistance
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 2310/14 interfering N.A.

Abstract

The present disclosure provides interfering nucleic acids, and compositions comprising same, that reduce viability and/or activity of a pest, e.g., a Hymenoptera pest. The interfering nucleic acids and compositions are useful in controlling Hymenoptera pests, which methods are also provided.

Claims

1. An interfering nucleic acid that specifically inhibits transcription or translation of a gene involved in cuticular hydrocarbon synthesis in a Hymenoptera host.

2. The interfering nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the gene is an elongase gene.

3. The interfering nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the gene is a desaturase gene.

4. The interfering nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the interfering nucleic acid is a double stranded RNA.

5. A nucleic acid encoding the interfering nucleic acid of claim 1.

6. A recombinant expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim 5.

7. A bacterial host cell comprising the interfering nucleic acid of claim 1.

8. A plant genetically modified to express the interfering nucleic acid of claim 1.

9. A composition comprising the interfering nucleic acid of claim 1.

10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the composition is a spray.

11. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the composition is a liquid.

12. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the composition is a solid or semi-solid.

13. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the composition is a food source for a Hymenoptera host.

14. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the food source is nectar.

15. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the composition comprises an attractant.

16. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the composition comprises a phagostimulant.

17. A method of reducing viability and/or activity of a Hymenoptera host, the method comprising introducing into the Hymenoptera host an effective amount of the interfering nucleic acid of claim 1.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the interfering nucleic acid is effective to reduce one or more of nestmate recognition, queen recognition, larvae recognition, egg recognition, desiccation resistance, and microbial resistance.