RNAi: Future in insect management

[Display omitted] . ► RNAi is a mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. ► RNAi has been proven to be a useful too to study of functional genomics in insects. ► RNAi targeting gene expression offers an ecological approach to insect pest control. ► RNAi is currently being used to inhibit disease causing pathogens of insects. RNA interference is a post- transcriptional, gene regulation mechanism found in virtually all plants and animals including insects. The demonstration of RNAi in insects and its successful use as a tool in the study of functional genomics opened the door to the development of a variety of novel, environmentally sound approaches for insect pest management. Here the current understanding of the biogenesis of the two RNAi classes in insects is reviewed. These are microRNAs (miRNAs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Several other key approaches in RNAi -based for insect control, as well as for the prevention of diseases in insects are also reviewed. The problems and prospects for the future use of RNAi in insects are presented.