Insecticidal gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) involves a post-transcriptional mechanism with great potential for insect control. Here, we aim to summarize the progress on RNAi research toward control of insect pests in the Neotropical region and discuss factors determining its efficacy and prospects for pest management. We include an overview of the available RNAi information for Neotropical pests in the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera orders. Emphasis is put on significant findings in the use of RNAi against relevant Neotropical pests, including diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), and the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman). We also examine the main factors involved in insecticidal RNAi efficiency and major advances to improve screening of lethal genes, formulation, and delivery. Few studies detail resistance mechanisms to RNAi, demonstrating a need for more research. Advances in formulation, delivery, and resistance management tools for insecticidal RNAi in the Neotropics can provide a basis for efficient field application.

中文翻译：

---

新热带地区的RNAi对杀虫基因的沉默。

RNA干扰（RNAi）引起的杀虫基因沉默涉及转录后机制，对昆虫控制具有巨大潜力。在这里，我们旨在总结RNAi在控制新热带地区害虫方面的研究进展，并讨论确定其功效和害虫治理前景的因素。我们包括鳞翅目，鞘翅目，双翅目和半翅目订单中新热带害虫可用RNAi信息的概述。重点研究了使用RNAi对抗相关新热带害虫的重要发现，这些害虫包括小菜蛾（Plutella xylostella L.），亚洲柑橘木虱（Diaphorina citri Kuwayama）和棉铃象鼻虫（Anthonomus grandis）Boheman）。我们还研究了杀虫RNAi效率所涉及的主要因素以及改善致死基因筛选，制剂和递送的重大进展。很少有研究详述对RNAi的抗性机制，这表明需要进行更多研究。新热带地区用于杀虫RNAi的配方，递送和抗药性管理工具的进步可以为有效的现场应用提供基础。