Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Project Abstract
An alarming number of non-native invasive forest insect pests and pathogens have been
introduced into North America in recent decades, with devastating consequences. Tree
mortality is extensive and forest sustainability is threatened. In addition, our rapidly changing
climate is contributing to expanded geographic ranges and accelerated development rates,
exacerbating the problem. Novel management approaches that can be rapidly developed for
effective suppression against numerous and diverse arrays of current and future forest insect
pests are needed. One innovative molecular approach is gene silencing using RNA interference
(RNAi), which is the focus of this project. RNAi technology exploits a naturally occurring cellular
defense system present in most eukaryotes by targeting double stranded viral RNA (dsRNA) for
cleavage by endogenous nucleases, thus suppressing viral infection. The cellular RNAi pathway
can be manipulated through the introduction of carefully designed dsRNAs, which the cell
perceives as viral, silencing genes essential to life and causing rapid insect mortality. In this
project we plan to evaluate RNAi technology in two highly destructive, highly invasive forest
pests with contrasting feeding behaviors. My lab has developed RNAi technology targeting the
highly destructive, invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) from proof-of-concept through greenhouse
experiments and are now poised to evaluate it in field trials, which will be a focus of this
project. We will evaluate field applications of dsRNA targeting EAB in ash trees planted in a
common garden. A second group of highly invasive non-native pests, the hemlock and balsam
woolly adelgids, will be a proof of concept focus of this project. To date there has been no
experimental demonstration of the RNAi pathway in adelgids, and no demonstration of the
ability to manipulate it. Adelgids have unique feeding behaviors and life cycles and do not easily
lend themselves to evaluation. We will assess hemlock and/or balsam woolly adelgids for the
presence of cellular RNAi machinery, paving the way for future work determining the feasibility
of utilizing RNAi technology against this recalcitrant group of forest invaders. Both aspects of
this proposal will further contribute to development of RNAi technology, a non-chemical,
molecular means of sustainable forest management.
Status | Active |
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Effective start/end date | 9/6/24 → 9/5/29 |
Funding
- Forest Service: $411,000.00
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