RNAi in two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae

Abstract: Tetranychus urticae is a cosmopolitan pest with an extremely wide range of plant
hosts. Availability of its high-quality genome sequences enables studies of mechanisms that
facilitate mite rapid adaptation to new plant host and development of pesticides resistance. In
support of such studies, we have developed RNAi as a reverse genetics tool. Here, we will trace back studies that sequentially led to the establishment of efficient RNAi protocol. We will also discuss the potential of using RNAi as a strategy to control T. urticae. The ability of dsRNA to specifically target pest species through a mode of action that is independent of those associated with currently used pesticides makes RNAi-based biopesticides an attractive alternative to chemical-based control measures and an important tool for mite pesticide resistance management.