Full Project Title: Turning invasive pests against themselves — protecting trees with anti-pest-specific treatments

Project Identification Number:  NNIS8

The genomes of many pests and pathogens have already been sequenced, and researchers are using this information to develop double-stranded RNAs for precisely targeting the pest or pathogen. Known as RNA interference (RNAi), the technology has been used against agricultural and horticultural crop pests.  

Every branch of the USDA Forest Service is involved in this effort. Forest Service researcher Dana Nelson is leading the project. “These double-stranded RNAs can serve as an environmentally friendly, non-chemical pesticide with low likelihood for non-target effects,” says Nelson.  

Experts from the National Forest System and State, Private, and Tribal Forestry are participating. Other cooperators and advisors include the University of Kentucky and the American Chestnut Foundation.  

The double-stranded RNAs are designed to precisely match a specific section (at least 16 base pairs) of the pest or pathogen’s genome. Once they bind to that section of the pathogen genome, the double-stranded RNA will prevent the pathogen from synthesizing essential proteins.  

The team is developing RNAs for butternut canker, Dutch elm disease, laurel wilt disease, emerald ash borer, and hemlock woolly adelgid. For each pest or pathogen, the team will design, synthesize, and test double-stranded RNAs. They will also compare different delivery methods for each pest and develop outreach materials. 

This project was funded ​​through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Provision 40804(b)(6)​, Invasive Species Detection, Prevention, Eradication, and Research.