dsRNA Constructs Targeting PBAN Gene for Insect Pest Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling Helicoverpa and Heliothis insect pests rely heavily on chemical pesticides, which can lead to insect resistance and non-target effects, necessitating a new mode of action that interferes with essential developmental and reproductive functions without the drawbacks of traditional pesticides.

Innovation Solution

Development of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) constructs that target the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene in Helicoverpa and Heliothis insects, using RNA interference to inhibit gene expression and disrupt critical functions, thereby controlling pest populations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical pesticides are used to control Helicoverpa and Heliothis insect pests, then pest mortality increases, but insect resistance develops and non-target effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidinsect resistance and non-target effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical pesticides with a biological mechanism (RNA interference) to control insect pests. The dsRNA construct targets the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene specifically, using molecular biology principles rather than chemical toxicity, thereby achieving pest control without the resistance and non-target effects associated with chemical pesticides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dsRNA as an intermediary substance that mediates gene silencing in the target insect. The dsRNA construct acts as a mediator between the plant and the insect's gene expression machinery, specifically targeting the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene to disrupt insect development and reproduction without affecting non-target organisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If microbial protein toxins such as Cry or VIP proteins from Bacillus species are expressed to control plant pests, then pest control is achieved, but constant exposure leads to insect resistance development

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidduration of pest control effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mode of action from protein toxin (chemical/biological molecule) to gene silencing (nucleic acid mechanism). By targeting the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene expression at the RNA level, the invention creates a fundamentally different control mechanism that does not rely on protein toxicity, thereby avoiding the resistance development issues associated with continuous exposure to microbial toxins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If traditional chemical pesticides are used, then ease of application is maintained, but environmental harm and non-target effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pesticide applicationVSAvoidenvironmental harm and non-target effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical pesticide application with RNA interference technology. The dsRNA construct can be applied through standard agricultural methods (spraying, incorporation into plant tissue), maintaining ease of operation while replacing harmful chemical substances with a targeted biological mechanism that specifically silences the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene in Helicoverpa and Heliothis insects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dsRNA constructs effectively inhibit the expression of the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene, leading to increased mortality and reduced reproductive capabilities in target insects, providing a novel and targeted approach to pest management that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides.

Implementation Method 1

using RNA interference to inhibit gene expression and disrupt critical functions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRNA interference:

Data Source

PatentUS10093928B2Double-stranded RNA constructs to control insect pests

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 BASF AGRICULTURAL SOLUTIONS US LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a dsRNA construct that relates to a method to control insect pests of the genus Helicoverpa or Heliothis double-stranded RNA interference of the PBAN/Pyrokinin gene.