Feeding device for aphid RNA interference experiment

Abstract

The feeding device comprises an upper finger-shaped tube and a lower finger-shaped tube, a light source is arranged at the lower end of the lower finger-shaped tube, a yellow insect trapping plate is arranged on the upper middle portion of the lower finger-shaped tube, an opening of the upper end of the lower finger-shaped tube is covered with a stretched platform film, and the platform film is used for containing artificial feed and dsRNA mixtures. The upper finger-shaped tube is detachably fixed to an upper opening of the lower finger-shaped tube, aphids are placed in the upper finger-shaped tube, and a sealing net is arranged at the upper end of the upper finger-shaped tube to prevent the aphids from escaping. The breeding device simulates plant leaf structures and plant juice components and utilizes the characteristics of yellowing and phototaxis of aphids to directionally attract aphids to feed, the RNAi effect is improved, the defects that a traditional feeding device is poor in feeding effect and low in feeding efficiency are overcome, aphid RNAi tests can be efficiently carried out by utilizing the device, and the breeding device is suitable for breeding of aphids. And the device has the characteristics of simple structure, low manufacturing cost, convenience in operation, high efficiency and practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of insect RNA interference experimental technology, specifically relating to a feeding device for aphid RNA interference experiments. Background Technology

[0002] Aphids, commonly known as plant lice or honeydew insects, are phytophagous insects belonging to the superfamily Aphidoidea in the order Hemiptera. Aphids are diverse in species, characterized by short reproductive cycles, overlapping generations, and a wide range of damage. They directly damage plants by piercing and sucking their sap, secreting honeydew that induces sooty mold, severely impacting photosynthesis. Furthermore, they can transmit plant viruses, making them one of the most destructive pests globally. Currently, chemical pesticides remain the primary method for controlling aphid infestations. However, the irrational use of chemical pesticides not only severely kills natural enemies but also reduces aphids' sensitivity to pesticides, even leading to varying degrees of resistance to some pesticide varieties, making their control increasingly difficult.

[0003] RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing phenomenon. It refers to the phenomenon in which double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) induces the degradation of homologous mRNA in the eukaryotic circadian rhythm, thereby silencing the expression of target genes and achieving the purpose of preventing gene expression and controlling pests.

[0004] RNAi (RNAi) insect control technology silences key genes in the growth, development, or important behaviors of pests, hindering their normal growth and reproduction, leading to their death and reducing the severity of damage. The biggest advantage of RNAi is its high target specificity; it does not harm beneficial organisms such as natural enemies, does not alter the pest's genome, and does not disrupt the ecosystem. The main component of RNAi is double-stranded RNA, which is ubiquitous in organisms and easily degrades in the natural environment. Therefore, it is non-toxic, has a short residual time, and is a green and environmentally friendly pest control technology, showing great promise for crop pest and disease control.

[0005] There are two main application methods for RNAi (RNAi) pest control technology: The first is the same spraying method as traditional chemical pesticides. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) preparations are directly sprayed onto the crop surface. The dsRNA is ingested by pests through feeding behavior or directly penetrates their bodies, silencing the pest's specific target gene and thus affecting their normal growth and development until they die. The second method is to cultivate RNAi-resistant crops. Fragments of the pest's target gene are introduced into the plant, allowing the plant to directly synthesize double-stranded RNA during growth and development. Pests that feed on the crop cannot grow and develop normally or die. Both methods have high application prospects and their own advantages and disadvantages: direct spraying is flexible, allowing for the mixing of different double-stranded RNAs depending on the pest species, thus enabling the tailoring of double-stranded RNA preparations to suit local conditions. However, the disadvantages are that double-stranded RNA degrades quickly, requiring appropriate methods or adjuvants to extend its duration in the field, and it is also greatly affected by weather. The advantage of cultivating RNAi insect-resistant crops is that they are simple and convenient, and no special daily maintenance is required after planting. However, the disadvantage is that the cultivation process is time-consuming and relatively complex. Therefore, the pests that need to be controlled and the target genes can only be selected in the early stages of the design. After planting, they cannot cope with new pests. If you want to change the range of insect resistance, you have to start the breeding process again.

[0006] Methods for RNAi in aphids mainly include microinjection, immersion, feeding, and transgenic methods, among which feeding is the simplest. However, RNA interference in aphids requires delivering specially formulated feed containing dsRNA into the aphids through feeding. Therefore, feeding devices for aphid RNA interference experiments are of great significance for conducting aphid RNAi research and developing RNA biopesticides. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a feeding device for aphid RNA interference experiments.

[0008] This utility model adopts the following technical solution: a feeding device for aphid RNA interference experiments, including an upper finger-shaped tube and a lower finger-shaped tube. A light source is set at the lower end of the lower finger-shaped tube, and a yellow insect-attracting plate is set in the middle and upper part. The upper opening is covered with a stretched platform membrane, which is used to place a mixture of artificial feed and dsRNA. The upper finger-shaped tube is detachably fixed to the upper opening of the lower finger-shaped tube, and aphids are placed inside. A sealing net is set at its upper end to prevent the aphids from escaping.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the lower opening of the upper finger-shaped tube and the upper opening of the lower finger-shaped tube are adhered with tape.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper finger-shaped tube and the lower finger-shaped tube are connected by a socket.

[0011] Furthermore, the sealing mesh uses a double layer of fine mesh gauze.

[0012] Furthermore, the light source is an LED light.

[0013] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] The feeding device mimics the structure of plant leaves and the composition of plant sap, and utilizes the aphids' attraction to yellow and light to attract them for feeding, thereby improving the RNAi effect. It overcomes the shortcomings of traditional feeding devices, such as poor feeding effect and low feeding efficiency. This device can be used to conduct aphid RNAi experiments efficiently, and it is characterized by its simple structure, low manufacturing cost, ease of operation, and high efficiency and practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0016] In the picture: 1. Upper finger-shaped tube; 2. Lower finger-shaped tube; 3. Yellow insect-attracting board; 4. LED light; 5. Platform film; 6. Adhesive tape; 7. Sealing net. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this utility model, but not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, and all materials cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] Equivalent technologies of the specific embodiments described herein that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art through routine experimentation are included in this application.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a feeding device for an aphid RNA interference experiment includes an upper finger-shaped tube 1 and a lower finger-shaped tube 2. A light source is installed at the lower end of the lower finger-shaped tube 2, and a yellow insect-attracting plate 3 is installed in the middle and upper part. The upper opening is covered with a stretched platform membrane 5 (i.e., platform membrane). The platform membrane 5 is used to place a mixture of artificial feed and dsRNA. The upper finger-shaped tube 1 is detachably fixed to the upper opening of the lower finger-shaped tube 2, and aphids are placed inside. A sealing net 7 is installed at its upper end to prevent the aphids from escaping.

[0021] In this embodiment, the LED light 4 is placed at the lower end of the lower finger-shaped tube 2, the yellow insect-attracting board 3 is placed in the upper part of the lower finger-shaped tube 2, and the upper opening of the lower finger-shaped tube 2 is covered with a stretched platform membrane 5. The mixture of artificial feed and dsRNA is added to the platform membrane 5 using a pipette, and then the stretched platform membrane is covered. The lower opening of the upper finger-shaped tube 1 and the upper opening of the lower finger-shaped tube 2 are glued together with tape 6. The aphids are placed in the upper finger-shaped tube 1, and the upper end of the upper finger-shaped tube 1 is sealed with a double layer of fine mesh gauze to prevent the aphids from escaping.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the upper finger tube 1 and the lower finger tube 2 may be provided with a socket and a spigot, respectively, and the two are connected by a spigot and socket method.

[0023] The feeding device in this embodiment mimics the structure of plant leaves and the composition of plant sap, and utilizes the aphids' attraction to yellow and light to attract them for feeding, thereby improving the RNAi effect. It overcomes the shortcomings of traditional feeding devices, such as poor feeding effect and low feeding efficiency. This device can be used to conduct aphid RNAi experiments efficiently, and it is characterized by its simple structure, low manufacturing cost, ease of operation, and high efficiency and practicality.

[0024] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A feeding device for aphid RNA interference experiments, characterized in that, It comprises an upper finger-shaped tube (1) and a lower finger-shaped tube (2), the lower end of the lower finger-shaped tube (2) is provided with a light source, the middle upper part is provided with a yellow insect attracting plate (3), the upper end opening is covered with a stretched platform film (5), the platform film (5) is used for placing artificial feed and dsRNA mixture, the upper finger-shaped tube (1) is detachably fixed at the upper opening of the lower finger-shaped tube (2), the inside is inserted with aphids, the upper end is provided with a sealing net (7) to prevent the aphids from escaping.

2. The feeding device for aphid RNA interference experiment according to claim 1, wherein, The outer periphery of the upper end opening of the upper finger-shaped tube (1) and the upper end opening of the lower finger-shaped tube (2) is pasted with adhesive tape (6).

3. The feeding device for aphid RNA interference experiment according to claim 1, wherein, The upper finger-shaped tube (1) and the lower finger-shaped tube (2) are connected through a socket.

4. The feeding device for RNAi experiment of aphids according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sealing net (7) adopts double-layer gauze.

5. The feeding device for RNAi experiment of aphids according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The light source is an LED lamp (4).

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