Methods for controlling pests using RNAi

US8906876B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Devgen NV · BE

Inventors

• Romaan Raemaekers · Zevergem, BE
• Laurent Kubler · Beynost, FR
• Geert Plaetinck · Merelbeke, BE
• Els Vanbleu · Berlare, BE
• Thierry Bogaert · Kortrijk, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 9, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 23, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A40/146
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention concerns methods for controlling insect infestation via RNAi-mediated gene silencing, whereby the intact insect cell(s) are contacted with a double-stranded RNA from outside the insect cell(s) and whereby the double-stranded RNA is taken up by the intact insect cell(s). In one particular embodiment, the methods of the invention are used to alleviate plants from insect pests. Alternatively, the methods are used for treating and/or preventing insect infestation on a substrate or a subject in need of such treatment and/or prevention. Suitable insect target genes and fragments thereof, dsRNA constructs, recombinant constructs and compositions are disclosed.