Abstract The utilization of RNA interference (RNAi) for pest management has garnered global interest. The bioassay results suggested the knockout of PxRdl2 significantly increased the insecticidal activities of the γ -aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR) targeting compounds (Fipronil, two pyrazoloquinazolines and two isoxazolines), thereby presenting a viable target gene for RNAi-mediated pest control. Consequently, we suggest enhancing the insecticidal activities of GABAR-targeting compounds by knockdown the transcript level of PxRdl2 . Furthermore, PxRdl2 dsRNA was expressed in HT115 Escherichia coli to reduce costs and protect dsRNA against degradation. In comparison to in vitro synthesized dsRNA, the recombinant bacteria (ds-B) exhibited superior interference efficiencies and greater stability when exposed to UV irradiation. Collectively, our results provide a new strategy of insecticide spray which combined synergistically with insecticidal activities by suppressing PxRdl2 using ds-B, and may be beneficial for reducing the usage of insecticide and slowing pest resistance.

BacterialPxRdl2dsRNA increased the insecticidal activities of GABAR-targeting compounds againstPlutella xylostella