RNAi silencing to validate the role of insect genes in phytoplasma transmission

The leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus is a known phytoplasma vector. Previous studies indicated a crucial role for insect ATP synthase during phytoplasma infection process. Gene silencing of ATP synthase b was obtained by injection of specific dsRNAs in E. variegatus. Here we present the significant reduction of corresponding protein expression and preliminary results on significant differences found in phytoplasma quantity in silenced insects compared to the controls, following injection with ATP synthase b and successive phytoplasma acquisition on infected plants. An in vivo role for insect ATP synthase b could be hypothesized during phytoplasma infection process.