INTERPOP-Optimisation of eco-sustainable protocols based on RNA INTERference for the control of the Japanese scarab beetle POPillia japonica
In this project, RNAi will be explored for the control of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica, a highly polyphagous alien quarantine species that causes serious damage to crops. The management of P. japonica in Italy is under the official control of the National Phytosanitary Services and is mainly based on the application of chemical insecticides. Therefore, innovative and sustainable alternative strategies are urgently needed. The project involves: i) the selection, based on bibliographic data, of target genes of the insect to be silenced in order to obtain phenotypes with reduced fitness, ii) the design and synthesis of dsRNAs in order to minimise potential undesirable effects on beneficial entomofauna, iii) the development of bioassays to establish the optimal treatment conditions and to screen the most promising target genes. The exogenous application of dsRNA is not yet approved in Europe, but the need to reduce pesticide pollution means that the exploration of new control tools cannot be further delayed.
Personnel:
Cristina Marzachì
Sabrina Palmano
Marta Vallino
Marika Rossi
Simona Abbà
Concetta Mottura
Davide Turati
Principal investigator: Galetto Luciana
Funder: Fondazione CRT
Start: January 2026
End: July 2028