Research Progress on Target Gene Screening and the Precise Control Potential of Diaphorina citri Using RNA Interference.

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is the primary natural vector of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). Prolonged use of chemical pesticides leads to insect resistance, reduces control efficacy, and causes ecological pollution. RNA interference (RNAi) enables sequence-specific gene silencing, representing a promising precision strategy for managing D. citri. This review summarizes advances in RNAi-based control of D. citri, focusing on three groups of target gene screening strategies based on essential functional genes, behavioral regulation genes, and D. citri-Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) interaction genes. It also compares double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery systems and highlights key bottlenecks, including poor stability, inefficient delivery, off-target effects, and resistance evolution. Future research should focus on optimizing target gene screening, developing efficient delivery systems, and enhancing ecological safety assessments. Integrating RNAi technology with various environmentally friendly management strategies will advance the sustainable control of D. citri and citrus HLB.