A novel strategy to combat insecticide resistance in insect pest with a nanoparticle‐based fusion dsRNA delivery system

BACKGROUNDThe decline in pest control efficacy due to insecticide resistance remains a significant threat to global food security. While RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated silencing of key resistance genes offers a promising strategy to mitigate this challenge, and field‐applicable targeting insecticide resistance remains limited. This study aimed to develop an RNAi‐based spray platform utilizing fusion dsRNA to restore the efficacy of insecticides.RESULTSIn this study, a gene‐targeting strategy was employed to develop a sprayable resistance‐overcoming system, MON‐NH2/dsNlCYP6ER1‐CarE1, through the self‐assembly of aminated mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MON‐NH2) with fusion double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). The MON‐NH2 effectively protects dsRNA from degradation and enhances RNAi persistence. By suppressing the expression of resistance‐associated genes, NlCYP6ER1 and NlCarE1, the system significantly increased the susceptibility of resistant Nilaparvata lugens populations to multiple insecticides under laboratory conditions. Field trials further demonstrated that the combined application of MON‐NH2/dsNlCYP6ER1‐CarE1 with insecticides significantly improved control efficacy against N. lugens.CONCLUSIONThis study introduces a gene‐targeted insecticide resistance management strategy utilizing fusion dsRNA to disrupt metabolic resistance pathways. Its field efficacy underscores the potential of RNAi to restore insecticide effectiveness and represents a paradigm shift toward mechanism‐driven pest control. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.