*5.1.2 RNA interference for vector control*

RNA interference, a process in which a double-stranded RNA exerts a silencing effect on the complementary mRNA, has become a powerful tool in entomology. Advantages, such as ease of use, specific targeting, and lack of environmental persistence, make RNAi techniques highly attractive for crop protection against many insect pests [107]. The main challenges in using RNAi-based pest control methods are compelling target gene selection and reliable delivery of dsRNA. The overexpression of dsRNAs in transgenic plants has induced RNAi in targeted insects [108, 109]. The transgenic approach in citrus, however, is slow and difficult. Hajeri et al. [110] targeted *D. citri* endogenous *Awd* (abnormal wing development disc) gene for silencing by using a CTV-RNAi vector, resulting in impaired wings in *D. citri* that would potentially limit the ability to fly and successful transmission of CLas bacteria between citrus trees in the field. In addition, decreased *Awd* gene in nymphs resulted in malformed-wing phenotype in adults and increased adult mortality. Taning et al. [111] postulated that a small dose of dsRNA (dsAK, dsSOD) administered through in Planta system (iPS) bioassay was sufficient to trigger the RNAi mechanism, causing significant suppression of the targeted transcript and increased mortality in ACP.
