LDH encapsulation and MpdsRNase disruption boost RNAi efficacy in Myzus persicae , with mRNA – miRNA profiles unraveling lethality by tandem dsRNA targeting MpEcR and MpdsRNase

BACKGROUND: The globally significant pest Myzus persicae inflicts considerable economic damage via phloem-feeding behavior and plant virus transmission. Although RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising alternative control strategy, its effectiveness is compromised by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) instability. RESULTS: Silencing MpdsRNase markedly improved dsRNA stability in the aphid hemolymph and elevated dsRNA-induced aphid mortality. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticle encapsulation effectively protected dsRNA from nuclease-mediated degradation, and further enhanced aphid mortality caused by tandem-linked dsRNA targeting both MpEcR and MpdsRNase. Specifically, treatment with ds-(EcR + dsRNase) altered the expression profiles of numerous messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), including cuticle/lipid biosynthesis-related genes and miRNA animal-undef-429. Accordingly, administration of the tandem dsRNA construct targeting MpdsRNase and the down-regulated cuticle protein gene MpCP19 yielded an 82% mortality rate in M. persicae. CONCLUSION: These findings established a dual-strategy to improve RNAi efficiency for sustainable aphid control and offered novel targets for dsRNA-based aphid management.