华南地区柑橘木虱与柑橘粉虱内共生菌检测及其Wolbachia共生菌的系统发育关系分析

【目的】探明不同地理种群的柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri Kuwayama和柑橘粉虱Dialeurodes citri Ashmead体内昆虫内共生菌的种类及其感染率,并以Wolbachia共生菌为代表,对其系统发育关系进行分析,为今后自共生菌角度研发柑橘木虱和柑橘粉虱的新型防控技术奠定基础。【方法】以16S r DNA、23S r DNA以及wsp为目标基因,利用PCR技术检测采自于广州、湛江、南宁、桂林、厦门的柑橘木虱以及采自广州的柑橘粉虱体内共生菌的种类及其感染率;利用多位点序列分型(MLST)技术和MEGA 5.0软件对不同昆虫样本中的Wolbachia进行系统发育关系分析。【结果】本研究采集的柑橘木虱和柑橘粉虱均含有原生共生菌Portiera和次生共生菌Wolbachia、Cardinium、Rickettsia,但该3种次生共生菌在不同木虱与粉虱种群的感染率有所不同;Arsenophonus只在广州和湛江种群的柑橘木虱中检出。基于wsp基因及MLST基因序列的Wolbachia系统发育分析表明,华南地区柑橘木虱和柑橘粉虱体内的Wolbachia均属于Wolbachia的B大组Con亚组。【结论】不同地理种群的柑橘木虱与柑橘粉虱体内感染的共生菌种类及其感染率不同;Wolabchia共生菌与柑橘木虱寄主不存在协同进化关系,在同一采集点存在Wolbachia通过柑橘寄主在柑橘木虱之间、柑橘木虱与柑橘粉虱之间水平传播的可能性。     

7种内共生病毒对柑橘木虱生殖力的影响

[目的]柑橘木虱吸食柑橘和九里香等芸香科植物,更是柑橘黄龙病的主要传播媒介。了解柑橘木虱共生微生物对虫体产卵量的影响,可为该虫的生态调控提供理论依据。[材料]应用Illumina HiSeq技术对柑橘木虱进行转录组和小RNA (siRNA)高通量测序,对拼接的序列进行功能注释。通过单雌单苗的饲养方法,分析通过测序揭晓的7种内共生病毒对柑橘木虱的影响,包括单雌总产卵量、单雌日产卵量和单雌寿命的变化。[结果]通过高通量测序共获得unigenes序列22429条,共有17673条unigenes注释至NR、NT、Pfam等数据库。根据siRNA分析数据,获得了多条柑橘木虱内共生病毒的序列。生物学验证试验发现,柑橘木虱呼肠孤病毒、Hubei tick virus 2、褐飞虱呼肠孤病毒、Mal de Rio Cuarto virus、Synechococcus phage S-RSM4、Tokyovirus A1 DNA和Diaphorina citri picorna-like virus isolate BR1 7种内共生病毒显著降低了雌虫群体总产卵量,但是对单雌日产卵量和单雌寿命无显著影响。[结论]研究结果为柑橘木虱的共生微生物多样性提供证据,也为进一步探索内共生病毒对宿主昆虫的意义提供了思路和理论基础,为后续柑橘木虱-内共生微生物的互作研究提供数据支持。     

不同种类寄主对柑橘黄龙病菌侵染能力及虫媒适应性的影响

柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri是柑橘黄龙病菌“Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”的主要媒介昆虫,探明不同植物种类寄主对柑橘黄龙病菌侵染能力及柑橘木虱适应性的影响,在设计黄龙病防控策略及寄主抗性研究中具有参考价值。本文选取蕉柑Citrus reticulata、蜜柚Citrus grandis、黄皮Clausena lansium和九里香Murraya exotica为研究材料,对比其田间植株黄龙病发病率和柑橘木虱数量及带菌情况,并在实验室条件下比较柑橘木虱对不同寄主的适应性（包括发育历期、存活率、携菌能力和传菌能力）。结果发现：（1）田间蕉柑和蜜柚的感染率最高,分别为47%和37%;而黄皮和九里香的带菌率较低,分别为18%和4%,且菌浓度均较轻微;（2）田间九里香上柑橘木虱卵、若虫及成虫数量均最多,蕉柑和黄皮其次,蜜柚最少,但蕉柑和蜜柚上柑橘木虱的携菌率和携菌量最高;（3）4种寄主上柑橘木虱卵和1~3龄若虫的发育历期没有显著性差异,柑橘木虱4龄、5龄若虫和总若虫历期在九里香上最短,而在蜜柚上最长;4种寄主上4龄、5龄若虫存活率没有显著性差异,但蜜柚上木虱卵的孵化率、1~3龄及总若虫存活率最低。（4）蕉柑和蜜柚上带菌木虱的携菌能力及传菌能力最高,其次为黄皮,九里香最低。该研究证明了除了寄主植物本身抗病性差异外,虫媒对寄主植物的适应性差异也是造成田间黄龙病发病差异的重要因素。     

我国柑橘木虱潜在适生区分布及趋势分析

【目的】柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri Kuwayama是传播黄龙病的重要虫媒,给柑橘生产带来极大危害。本文通过已知柑橘木虱发生地信息和40年气象数据求取准确的生物气候模型参数,在此基础上分析我国柑橘木虱潜在适生区分布变化和未来发展趋势。【方法】本文从1970年以来公开发表的文献中整理提取了柑橘木虱在我国1990年前后的发生地信息,分别基于CLIMEX的标准气象数据和国家气象局发布的1991—2010年的气象数据,得到能够准确预测柑橘木虱潜在适生区分布的CLIMEX参数。然后使用Cli Mond发布的2030和2050年的全球气象数据,预测了未来柑橘木虱在我国的潜在适生区。【结果】2010年后柑橘木虱适生区分布北移明显,与实际发生地信息相吻合;全球气候变暖趋势影响下,2030年柑橘木虱适生区继续向北方扩展,但到2050年的适生区北界基本稳定,相比较而言临界区北移更加突出。【结论】柑橘木虱适生区北移明显,在未来气候条件下,干胁迫将阻止其进一步北移;但在临界气候条件下有建立种群的可能,对于目前未见该虫发生报道的潜在适生区,应加强早期预警和检疫防控措施。     

亚洲柑橘木虱传播黄龙病菌的特性与机制研究进展

黄龙病Huanglongbing(HLB)是世界性的重大柑橘病害,在中国主要由亚洲柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri Kuwayama传播。该害虫的传病特性与机制一直是相关研究热点之一。本文综述了近些年该领域的研究成果,包括亚洲柑橘木虱传播黄龙病的方式、传病过程与机制,以及影响传病效率的因素等方面,为该木虱及黄龙病的防控与深入研究提供参考。     

利用虫生真菌生物防治柑橘木虱的研究进展

柑橘木虱是柑橘黄龙病的重要传播虫媒。目前对柑橘黄龙病的防治尚缺有效的药剂和抗病品种,加强对柑橘木虱的防治,对控制柑橘黄龙病的蔓延具有重要意义。目前防治柑橘木虱多采用化学防治,杀虫剂的频繁使用造成了农药残留、环境污染、生物多样性被破坏和害虫产生抗药性等诸多问题,生物防治以其高效、低毒、低残留、不易产生抗药性等优点逐渐受到重视。昆虫病原真菌能侵入昆虫寄主体内,导致昆虫发病死亡,具有良好的病害流行潜力及生产应用便利性,利用昆虫病原真菌防治柑橘木虱具有广阔的发展空间。本文总结了用于柑橘木虱生物防治的虫生真菌种类,重点介绍了国内外利用球孢白僵菌、玫烟色棒束孢、淡紫紫孢菌、宛氏拟青霉、蜡蚧菌等虫生真菌在防治柑橘木虱中的应用,并对虫生真菌防治柑橘木虱的发展前景进行了展望,以期为柑橘黄龙病的防控提供借鉴。     

亚洲柑橘木虱成虫和5龄若虫在感染黄龙病的柑橘上的取食行为及获菌效率比较

【目的】亚洲柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri是柑橘的毁灭性病害——黄龙病亚洲种‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’(‘Clas’)的主要传播媒介。本研究的目的是明确木虱成虫和5龄若虫的取食行为、获菌效率是否有差异,以及寄主感染黄龙病是否对5龄若虫取食产生影响。【方法】利用直流型刺吸电位仪(DC-EPG Giga-4)记录柑橘木虱成虫和5龄若虫在携带黄龙病的酸橘Citrus reticulata cv. Sunki嫩梢上10 h的取食行为,用qPCR单头检测其获得黄龙病病原菌的效率,并比较5龄若虫在感病和健康植株嫩梢上的取食行为。【结果】柑橘木虱成虫与5龄若虫在感染黄龙病的酸橘上的取食行为有显著差异。5龄若虫比成虫更快地开始在韧皮部和木质部进行吸食,口针在韧皮部的总过程以及吸食时间显著长于成虫。此外,5龄若虫和成虫在EPG测定(同时饲菌)10 h后获菌率分别为37.5%和20.0%,若虫明显高于成虫。寄主植物感染黄龙病对5龄若虫的取食行为有一定的影响,表现在感病植株上的刺探次数、唾液分泌次数和韧皮部吸食次数都显著少于健康植株,而两者分泌唾液和韧皮...     

防治果园周边柑橘木虱控制黄龙病效果研究

在新种柑橘园中栽种柑橘无毒苗,定期监测和防治果园内柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri Kuwayama,防治时期为各新梢萌芽期,重点防治期为早夏梢期和早秋梢期;与此同时,调查柑橘园周围柑橘木虱寄主植物,每年2月下旬、5月上旬、8月下旬和11月下旬定期喷药,清除柑橘园周围寄主植物上的柑橘木虱。结果表明,果园内柑橘木虱和黄龙病均得到有效的控制,果园内柑橘木虱种群数量控制在很低的水平,最高为225头/公顷,最低为0;黄龙病发病率也很低,2008年为8‰,实施该技术后,发病率逐年下降,2012年降低到01‰。     

亚洲柑橘木虱和柚喀木虱过冷却点和体液结冰点测定

亚洲柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri Kuwayama和柚喀木虱Cacopsylla citrisuga YangLi均为柑桔上的重要害虫,前者为黄龙病的主要媒介昆虫,后者也已证实为黄龙病菌的携带者。本文对这两种木虱各龄若虫和成虫的过冷却点和体液结冰点进行了测定,结果表明,柑橘木虱过冷却点和冰点均以1龄若虫最低,平均值分别为-26.32℃和-26.22℃;成虫的过冷却点和冰点最高,分别为-19.60℃和-18.71℃;其它虫态过冷却点和冰点由低到高依次为2龄若虫、4龄若虫、5龄若虫、3龄若虫。柚喀木虱过冷却点和冰点也均以1龄若虫最低,平均值分别为-25.30℃和-25.08℃;5龄若虫的过冷却点和冰点最高,平均分别为-19.50℃和-17.69℃;其它虫态过冷却点和冰点由低到高依次为2龄若虫、3龄若虫、4龄若虫、成虫。两种木虱的比较结果表明,各发育阶段的表现不一致,柚喀木虱的3龄若虫和成虫过冷却点显著低于柑桔木虱,而4龄、5龄若虫则显著高于柑桔木虱;3龄若虫体液结冰点也显著低于柑桔木虱,但1龄、4龄却显著高于柑桔木虱。柑桔木虱雌雄成虫的过冷却点和体液结冰点差异不显著。研究结果表明两种木虱的过冷却点、体液结冰点都较低,因而可能具有较强的耐寒能力。     

烟粉虱内共生菌16S rDNA的特性研究

对烟粉虱内共生菌16SrDNA的酶切结果及部分生物体16SrDNA的(G C)%分析结果表明:烟粉虱初生内共生菌的16SrDNA能够被EcoRI酶切成两个片段、而不能够分别被BamHI与SacI酶切;烟粉虱次生内共生菌的16SrDNA没有BamHI内切酶位点、而能够分别被EcoRI或Sac I酶切成大小不同的两个片段。(G C)mol%与菌的分类地位有关,同时还与菌的可培养能力有关。Proteobacteriaγ亚纲的烟粉虱初生内共生菌与α亚纲的Rickettsia、线粒体的16SrDNA相似,富含(A T)mol%,具低的(G C)mol%。而γ亚纲的次生内共生菌及大肠杆菌与β亚纲的mealybugs初生内共生菌的16SrDNA相似,富含(G C)mol%。说明初生内共生菌可能与烟粉虱同时发生,并且形成一种非常紧密的共生关系,次生内共生菌与烟粉虱关系松散一些,其特性近似于自由生活的细菌,更有可能获得纯培养体。16SrDNA的系统进化树表明,烟粉虱次生内共生菌属于Proteobacteriaγ-3亚纲,而初生内共生菌属于Proteobacteriaγ亚纲的另一分支。     

中国部分地区柑桔木虱体内感染Wolbachia的检测及其系统发育分析

Wolbachia是一种广泛分布于节肢动物体内的共生细菌, 该共生菌经寄主卵的细胞质传播并参与多种寄主生殖活动调控, 对节肢动物的物种进化有着重要意义并可能应用于害虫的生物防治。本研究以柑桔黄龙病（Huanglongbing, HLB）的主要传播媒介——柑桔木虱Diaphorina citri为研究对象, 通过Wolbachia的16S rDNA、 细胞分裂基因（ftsZ）、 表面蛋白基因（wsp）的特异引物对来自于中国广西北海、 广西柳州、 广东深圳、 广东阳春、 福建福州5个地区的柑桔木虱进行PCR扩增, 并对扩增产物进行克隆测序, 与GenBank中相关序列进行比对分析, 建立了柑桔木虱共生Wolbachia的系统发育树。结果显示上述5个地区的柑桔木虱均存在Wolbachia感染, 通过Wolbachia的16S rDNA, ftsZ基因和wsp基因DNA序列的系统发育分析表明, 5个地区的柑桔木虱体内的Wolbachia均属于B组; 基于wsp基因的系统发育分析进一步表明5个地区的亚洲柑桔木虱体内的Wolbachia属于B组的Con亚组, 且不同地区柑桔木虱体内的Wolbachia的16S rDNA, ftsZ基因和wsp基因序列差异不明显。研究结果为认识柑桔黄龙病传播媒介昆虫的进化及其综合防治提供了重要的参考依据。     

Metabolomic analyses of the haemolymph of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri,the vector of huanglongbing

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is currently threatening the citrus industry by transmitting the causative agent Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) of huanglongbing. Multiplication of CLas in haemolymph of D. citri indicates that it contains the necessary nutrients for CLas. Although many studies examine D. citri, the haemolymph composition of this dangerous pest remains to be investigated. In the present study, the haemolymph of D. citri is collected using a nanolitre syringe after the removal of one of its forelegs. The haemolymph is either derivatized with methyl chloroformate (MCF) or trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatizing reagent and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Nineteen amino acids, two organic acids and seven fatty acids are detected in the haemolymph after MCF derivatization. More metabolites are detected after TMS derivatization. Sugars are the most abundant metabolites in the haemolymph. Glucose and fructose are the main monosaccharides. Trehalose and sucrose are the major disaccharides. Furthermore, three inositol isomers (myo‐inositol, scyllo‐inositol and chiro‐inositol) are detected in the haemolymph. Organic acids are found in low amounts, whereas phosphoric acid is found at a higher concentration. Twenty‐four nucleotides and sugar nucleotides, including ATP, ADP and AMP, are detected using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography. Adenine nucleotides are the most abundant nucleotides followed by uridine and guanosine. The adenylate energy charge for the haemolymph is 0.77. Our results show that many metabolites found in the citrus phloem sap are also found in the haemolymph of D. citri.     

Proteomic maps of subcellular protein fractions of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri,the vector of citrus huanglongbing

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is an insect vector that transmits the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) associated with the destructive citrus disease, citrus huanglongbing (HLB). Currently, D. citri is the major target in HLB management, although insecticidal control and disruption of the D. citri–CLas interactions both face numerous challenges. The present study reports the subcellular proteomic profiles of D. citri, encompassing the three main subcellular protein fractions: cytosol, mitochondria and microsomes. After optimization, subcellular proteins of both high and low abundance are obtained by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). A total of 1170 spots are detected in the 2‐DE gels of the three subcellular fractions. One hundred and sixty‐four differentially expressed proteins are successfully identified using liquid chromatography‐dual mass spectroscopy. An efficient protocol for subcellular protein fractionation from D. citri is established and a clear protein separation is achieved with the chosen protein fractionation protocol. The identified cytosolic proteins are mainly metabolic enzymes, whereas a large portion of the identified proteins in the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions are involved in ATP biosynthesis and protein metabolism, respectively. Protein–protein interaction networks are predicted for some identified proteins known to be implicated in pathogen–vector interactions, such as actin, tubulin and ATP synthase, as well as insecticide resistance, such as the cytochrome P450 superfamily. The findings should provide useful information to help identify the mechanism responsible for the CLas–D. citri interactions and eventually contribute to D. citri control.     

亚洲柑橘木虱与柑橘黄龙病菌互作的研究进展

亚洲柑橘木虱Diaphorina citri Kuwayama作为柑橘产业重要病害柑橘黄龙病的主要传播媒介,已经成为重点防治对象。该害虫与黄龙病之间的互作一直是相关研究的热点,本文就近年来该领域的研究进展做了一个总结,从亚洲柑橘木虱的获菌与传病机制、病原菌与柑橘木虱之间的互作以及病原菌感染寄主植物后对木虱的影响等方面进行了综述。期望为深入开展黄龙病相关研究、寻找防控新途径提供依据。     

Characterization of electrical penetration graphs of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, in sweet orange seedlings

Detailed information on probing behavior of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is critical for understanding the transmission process of phloem‐limited bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.) associated with citrus ‘huanglongbing’ by this vector. In this study, we investigated stylet penetration activities of D. citri on seedlings of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Pêra (Rutaceae) by using the electrical penetration graph (EPG‐DC system) technique. EPG waveforms were described based on amplitude, frequency, voltage level, and electrical origin of the observed traces during stylet penetration into plant tissues. The main waveforms were correlated with histological observations of salivary sheath termini in plant tissues, to determine the putative location of stylet tips. The behavioral activities were also inferred based on waveform similarities in relation to other Sternorrhyncha, particularly aphids and whiteflies. In addition, we correlated the occurrence of specific waveforms with the acquisition of the phloem‐limited bacterium Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus by D. citri. The occurrence of a G‐like xylem sap ingestion waveform in starved and unstarved psyllids was also compared. By analyzing 8‐h EPGs of adult females, five waveforms were described: (C) salivary sheath secretion and other stylet pathway activities; (D) first contact with phloem (distinct from other waveforms reported for Sternorrhyncha); (E1) putative salivation in phloem sieve tubes; (E2) phloem sap ingestion; and (G) probably xylem sap ingestion. Diaphorina citri initiates a probe with stylet pathway through epidermis and parenchyma (C). Interestingly, no potential drops were observed during the stylet pathway phase, as are usually recorded in aphids and other Sternorrhyncha. Once in C, D. citri shows a higher propensity to return to non‐probing than to start a phloem or xylem phase. Several probes are usually observed before the phloem phase; waveform D is observed upon phloem contact, always immediately followed by E1. After E1, D. citri either returns to pathway activity (C) or starts phloem sap ingestion, which was the longest activity observed.     

Huanglongbing: An overview of a complex pathosystem ravaging the world's citrus

Citrus huanglongbing(HLB) has become a major disease and limiting factor of production in citrus areas that have become infected. The destruction to the affected citrus industries has resulted in a tremendous increase to support research that in return has resulted in significant information on both applied and basic knowledge concerning this important disease to the global citrus industry. Recent research indicates the relationship between citrus and the causal agent of HLB is shaped by multiple elements, in which host defense responses may also play an important role. This review is intended to provide an overview of the importance of HLB to a wider audience of plant biologists. Recent advances on host-pathogen interactions, population genetics and vectoring of the causal agent are discussed.     

Influence of limiting and regulating factors on populations of Asian citrus psyllid and the risk of insect and disease outbreaks

Diaphorina citri, known as the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), is the insect vector of a devastating citrus disease (huanglongbing; HLB), which has caused billions of dollars in damage in Florida since its detection in 2005. Data from long‐term monitoring programs in two Florida citrus groves were used to assess ACP demography and population ecology, which is needed to implement more effective management strategies for HLB. Seasonal patterns and correlations between ACP density estimates and a suite of environmental and community indicators, previously shown to influence ACP demography, were described and interpreted. Data were evaluated for evidence for spatial clustering and density‐dependent recruitment of ACP in a major outbreak event using Taylor power law analysis and by fitting a stochastic Beverton–Holt recruitment model using state‐space approach. Strong evidence for density‐dependent recruitment and spatial clustering was found and should be considered for future modelling work as it can greatly influence ACP populations by affecting their growth rates, dispersal behaviour and morphology, as well as HLB transmission. Observations of ACP density and dispersion in space and time, along with the estimated parameters from the Beverton–Holt model, suggested that intraspecific competition for resources may initiate both local, then widespread dispersal process, thus affecting grove‐wide and area‐wide HLB transmission. When these results were synthesised with those of parallel studies, the removal of several of these regulating factors in a single year could lead to widespread disease of the entire crop in a grove, and likely surrounding groves as well. We provide the first field evidence of the consequences of back‐to‐back ACP colonisation on the rapid spread of the HLB in a grove (a mechanism previously demonstrated in laboratory settings). We stress the importance of proper integrated pest management and area‐wide management to prevent such outbreaks.     

Chemical and behavioral analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbons from Asian citrus psyllid,Diaphorina citri

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease of citrus worldwide. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the vector of the phloem‐inhabiting bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which is presumed to cause HLB in Florida citrus. Laboratory and field studies were conducted to examine the behavioral responses of male and female D. citri to their cuticular extracts. In olfactometer assays, more male D. citri were attracted to one, five, or 10 female cuticular extract equivalent units than blank controls. The results were confirmed in field studies in which clear or yellow traps baited with 10 female cuticular extract equivalent units attracted proportionately more males than clear traps baited with male cuticular extract or unbaited traps. Analyses of cuticular constituents of male and female D. citri revealed differences between the sexes in chemical composition of their cuticular extracts. Laboratory bioassays with synthetic chemicals identified from cuticular extracts indicated that dodecanoic acid attracted more males than clean air. Traps baited with dodecanoic acid did not increase total catch of D. citri as compared with blank traps at the dosages tested; however, the sex ratio of psyllid catch was male biased on traps baited with the highest lure loading dosage tested (10.0 mg).     

RNA interference of carboxyesterases causes nymph mortality in the Asian citrus psyllid,Diaphorina citri

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an important pest of citrus. In addition, D. citri is the vector of Huanglongbing, a destructive disease in citrus, also known as citrus greening disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. Huanglongbing causes huge losses for citrus industries. Insecticide application for D. citri is the major strategy to prevent disease spread. The heavy use of insecticides causes development of insecticide resistance. We used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence genes implicated in pesticide resistance in order to increase the susceptibility. The activity of dsRNA to reduce the expression of carboxyesterases including esterases FE4 (EstFE4) and acetylcholinesterases (AChe) in D. citri was investigated. The dsRNA was applied topically to the fourth and fifth instars of nymphs. We targeted several EstFE4 and AChe genes using dsRNA against a consensus sequence for each of them. Five concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 ng/μl) from both dsRNAs were used. The treatments with the dsRNA caused concentration dependent nymph mortality. The highest gene expression levels of both AChe and EstFE4 were found in the fourth and fifth nymphal instars. Gene expression analysis showed that AChe genes were downregulated in emerged adults from dsRNA‐AChe‐treated nymphs compared to controls. However, EstFE4 genes were not affected. In the same manner, treatment with dsRNA‐EstFE4 reduced expression level of EstFE4 genes in emerged adults from treated nymphs, but did not affect the expression of AChe genes. In the era of environmentally friendly control strategies, RNAi is a new promising venue to reduce pesticide applications.