Targeting the Tret1 gene in Myzus persicae : RNAi ‐mediated crop protection through bacteria‐synthesized dsRNA and nanocarrier delivery

BACKGROUND The trehalose transporter 1 ( Tret1 ) is crucial for insect development and survival, yet its potential in aphid management remains unstudied. RESULTS This study characterized Tret1 (GenBank: PV553463) in Myzus persicae , confirming its conserved phylogenetic clade within Hemiptera and high expression in early nymphal stages and midgut tissues. RNAi‐mediated Tret1 silencing caused lethal molting defects, reduced survival (to 32.22% by day 6), and impaired fecundity (a 72.43% drop in nymph production), underscoring its key role in aphid development and reproduction. To enable field application of RNAi, a bacterial system producing ds Tret1 was developed. Foliar delivery of ds Tret1 via a nanocarrier (SPc)‐delivered system rapidly suppressed aphid populations, inducing lethal abnormalities, with high efficacy in both greenhouse trials (>94% control by day 8) and field conditions (87% density reduction at 7 days post‐spray) without adverse effects on plant growth. Critically, the ds Tret1 /SPc/detergent complex showed no adverse effects on key natural enemies ( Harmonia axyridis and Aphidius gifuensis ), confirming its biosafety. CONCLUSION This study establishes a novel, eco‐friendly RNAi‐based biocontrol strategy leveraging nanocarrier‐delivered bacterially produced dsRNA for precision aphid management.