GENE SILENCING

Research from Victoria University shows using gene silencing as a biopesticide can effectively control Varroa destructor in bees. 

Rather than killing insects directly, the new technology interferes with their ability to reproduce, effectively leaving them sterile. 

It is so highly targeted that it could be the “holy grail” of pest control, because it reduces pest numbers while minimally impacting bees, humans and the wider environment.

Research into gene silencing has gone on for over a decade, after it was discovered by a group of Israeli scientists who used the technology to make the varroa mite sterile within a laboratory setting. Gene silencing uses a body’s natural processes to temporarily block a specific gene’s message that would otherwise trigger an unwanted effect. 

It uses doublestranded RNA (dsRNA) to disrupt a key biological process in the pest, causing it to become sterile. It works best as a preventative or maintenance tool, rather than as a rapid “knockdown” treatment.

It has already been registered in the US and Europe. The technology also has potential to be used to control other pests. In the US it is used as a control for Colorado potato beetle.

The technology’s potential for multiple use offers a targeted approach and is biodegradable.

There are opportunities here for replacing many of the current products that we use. This is a really exciting technology.