Influence of the silencing sex-peptide receptor on Bactrocera dorsalis adults and offspring by feeding with ds-spr

RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to control insect pests using plant dsRNA expression. A key question in potentially applying RNAi is the possible effects on insects after being fed with dsRNA produced by a transgenic plant. Sex peptide receptor (spr) is the key gene that regulates the suppression of female receptivity and induction of oviposition. In this study, the expression level of the spr gene was significantly down-regulated to 52% by feeding Bactrocera dorsalis adults with ds-spr. The RNAi effects of continuous feeding ds-spr to adults led to a highly mortality rate, decreased their egg production capacity and profoundly impacted the eclosion rate of their offspring. Our results demonstrate that RNAi through uninterrupted dsRNA feeding can be used as a strategy to control insect pests. Moreover, the research presented here provides a potential RNAi target gene for controlling B. dorsalis and a theoretical basis for universally applying RNAi in insect pest management. [Display omitted] •Longevity was decreased by continuous feeding of ds-spr to adults.•Egg production capacity was decreased by continuous feeding of ds-spr to adults.•Uninterrupted dsRNA feeding can be used as a strategy to control insect pests.•spr is a potential RNAi target gene for controlling Bactrocera dorsalis.