Targeting gut surface proteins in Diaphorina citri by RNA interference reduces uptake of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus

Silencing of abundant gut surface proteins in D. citri limited CLas uptake, establishing a functional basis for RNAi-mediated suppression of pathogen uptake. While additional studies are needed to determine specific molecular interactions, these results identify gut surface proteins as promising targets for RNAi-based interventions to reduce CLas uptake by psyllids. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.