Double Strand RNA Absorption in Citrus Trees for Delivery to Asian Citrus Psyllids, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae).

RNA interference, RNAi, continues to be a leading tool in functional genomics studies and in crop plants, for the management of viral pathogens, insect pests, and improving plant traits. However, there are still questions concerning consistent delivery into plants when using topically applied RNAi. RNAi products have the potential to reduce psyllid vector populations by disrupting nymph survival, which may provide an effective strategy in the disruption of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus transmission throughout citrus trees. This study examined factors that may affect dsRNA absorption and systemic movement in citrus trees and the subsequent delivery into the hemipteran, Diaphorina citri, the Asian citrus psyllid.