D3149: Sublethal effects of a novel double-stranded RNA insecticide for Colorado potato beetle management

The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most notorious pests of the potato, Solanum tuberosum. A novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) based insecticide has been developed as a means of controlling this insect through RNA interference. Laboratory bioassays have been performed to assess the sublethal effects of this insecticide. Exposure to this product at a low or high dose in fourth instar Colorado potato beetles resulted in significantly lower pupation success of surviving larvae. Neither dose had a significant effect on the size of successfully emerging adults. Adult beetles that were paired and treated with a low dose of this product laid significantly fewer eggs, with exposure to a high dose entirely preventing their reproduction. Effects on reproduction were significantly stronger in sexually immature adults than in sexually mature adults. Based on the results of this study, the sublethal effects of this product demonstrate its potential utility in controlling populations of Colorado potato beetles when included in integrated pest management protocols.