Multi-target dsrna expression via VIGS in cotton for enhanced insect pest resistance
A biotechnology solution using Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) to express multiple double-stranded RNA targets simultaneously in cotton plants, building on validated RNAi-mediated mortality in cotton boll weevil. Designed to advance RNAi-based pest control strategies and reduce insecticide dependency in cotton production.
Overview
This solution leverages Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) to express multiple double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) constructs simultaneously within cotton plants, aiming to enhance resistance against insect pests such as the cotton boll weevil. The approach builds on prior validation demonstrating that oral administration of dsRNA targeting specific midgut-expressed genes in Anthonomus grandis produced significant mortality in feeding bioassays. By delivering several dsRNA targets at once through a single VIGS construct, the technology seeks to improve the efficacy and durability of plant-mediated RNAi pest control, offering cotton growers a potential alternative to conventional insecticide treatments.
Technical specifications
Core approach:
- Uses the TRV-2 VIGS vector to express concatenated dsRNA fragments targeting multiple insect pest genes
- Three gene fragments will be cloned and concatenated into a single VIGS construct for simultaneous expression
- Agroinfiltration of VIGS constructs into cotton plantlets to produce foliar material expressing the dsRNAs
- Insect feeding bioassays performed on foliar tissue to evaluate pest mortality and gene silencing effects
Validation methods established:
- Feeding bioassays conducted in triplicate with groups of 25 insects reared individually
- Artificial diet overlaid with 100 µl of dsRNA solution at 200 ng/µl concentration
- Controls using GFP dsRNA and water solutions
- Mortality data analyzed via one-way ANOVA
- Gene expression effects assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR)
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Individual dsRNA targets have already been validated through oral feeding bioassays, demonstrating significant mortality in cotton boll weevil. The next phase involves constructing and testing the multi-target VIGS system, with an estimated one-year timeline. The research team is actively seeking a partnership to provide support in transgenic cotton development and equipment for bioassays testing, which would accelerate progress toward broader validation and potential field application.
About Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria
INTA is Argentina’s national agricultural technology institute—a decentralized public research and extension organization—with a countrywide network of research centers, experimental stations, and extension units. Co‑located labs and field sites embedded in production regions enable applied R&D and direct engagement through its extension system, offering practical environments for corporate collaboration. A dedicated technology‑linkage function manages licensing, co‑development agreements, and specialized services, while an affiliated foundation can contract and administer international projects to streamline collaboration. INTA is primarily supported by the Government of Argentina under the Secretariat of Bioeconomy, with teams also tapping competitive national and international funding programs. Its technology transfer processes cover IP management, licensing, and support for technology‑based ventures.
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