Recent advances in RNA interference research in insects: Implications for future insect pest management strategies

The manipulation of the posttranscriptional gene silencing phenomenon known as RNA interference (RNAi), demonstrated more than a decade ago in the genetic model systems Caenorhabditis elegans Maupas (Fire et al., 1998) and Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Kennerdell and Carthew, 1998), has provided a powerful reverse genetic tool for the elucidation of gene function. Since its discovery, myriad reports have been published describing efforts to apply RNAi approaches in insect species lacking well developed genetics or characterized genomes. Here we review recent progress in this area, focusing in particular on several recent landmark studies that demonstrate the potential practical value of this gene silencing technique for the development of new tools for the management of insect pests of agriculture.