Mycovirus‐Induced Functional Reprogramming of a Plant Pathogenic Fungus for Biocontrol of Western Flower Thrips

Key Points

• The research aims to create a biocontrol method by transforming a plant pathogenic fungus into a delivery system for RNAi against thrips.
• Repurposed Fusarium graminearum as a vector for RNAi delivery.
• Utilized mycovirus for gene silencing in the fungus.
• Engineered the fungus to produce small RNAs targeting thrips genes.
• Engineered fungus effectively reduced thrips survival.
• Resulted in decreased plant damage from thrips.
• Demonstrated potential for sustainable pest management.