A gene silencing of V‐ATPase subunit A interferes with survival and development of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta

RNA interference (RNAi) technology is not only considered as a tool to analyze gene function, but it is also potentially considered as a strategy to develop novel biopesticide. In the current study, a double‐stranded RNA specific to v‐ATPase subunit A of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick; Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was orally administered. A gradual decrease in the expression of the gene was observed from Day 1 to 3 and resulted in significant larval mortality. These results suggest that v‐ATPases A can be considered as a promising target gene by RNAi technology to be used in the management of the tomato leafminer. A double‐stranded RNA specific to v‐ATPase subunit A of the tomato leafminer fed by the third instar larvae caused a significant reduction in the expression of the gene and high mortality of the treated individuals. Research Highlights Transcriptome level of v‐ATPase A in T. absoluta larvae reduced 3 days after treatment v‐ATPase A silencing significantly affected the survival and developmental rate of the leafminer larvae v‐ATPase A is suggested as a promising target for manufacturing a next generation insecticide