title: The next generation of insecticides: dsRNA is stable as a foliar-applied insecticide.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  RNAi is a powerful tool used to study gene function. It also has been hypothesized to be a promising new method for control of insect pests on crops, although the perceived instability of dsRNA in the environment has constrained thinking about the options for this new type of pest control.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We confirmed that foliar application of Colorado potato beetle dsRNA actin is highly effective for control, demonstrated that treatment with actin-dsRNA protects potato plants for at least 28 days under greenhouse conditions and found that the dsRNA is not readily removed by water once dried on the leaves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These new results suggest that foliar application of dsRNA could be a valuable control strategy for some pests. Technological aspects of spraying dsRNA that need to be considered in the future are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Keri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: San Miguel
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001681:Biological Assay; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000235:genetics; D018556:Crops, Agricultural; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D007306:Insecticides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D034622:RNA Interference; D020871:RNA Stability; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides; D012330:RNA, Double-Stranded
keywords: Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata); RNAi; crop protection; double-stranded RNA