RNAi methods for management of insects and their pathogens

RNA interference (RNAi), a post-transcriptional gene silencing method discovered in 1998, has been used in basic research in almost every area of biology to silence genes in order to learn about their function. This technology also has many potential applications in molecular medicine, in agriculture and many other fields. RNAi has been extensively used to understand the molecular basis of physiological, developmental, behavioural and reproductive processes in insects. This technology also has a potential to assist in developing target-specific management methods for insect pests and pathogens that cause diseases in beneficial insects. Recent literature on RNAi methods and their applications for controlling insect pests and pathogens that cause diseases in beneficial insects will be reviewed.