The combined use of BtSgAbd‐2 RNA interference and matrine enhances the effective control of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci

BACKGROUND: The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is one of the most destructive agricultural pests, posing significant challenges to sustainable crop production. Whiteflies have developed resistance to a variety of pesticides and RNA interference (RNAi) has been applied to enhance the susceptibility of pesticides. This study aims to explore the function of the endocuticle structural glycoprotein encoded gene BtSgAbd-2 and evaluate its potential for the control of whiteflies in combination with the plant-derived pesticide matrine. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the expression of BtSgAbd-2 positively responds to the matrine stress in B. tabaci. BtSgAbd-2 is highly expressed during the nymphal stages. It plays a conserved role in cuticle formation during molting in the whitefly. More exogenous fluorescent dyes are taken into the insect cell when cuticle is disrupted by BtSgAbd-2 interference, indicating the enhancement of cuticle permeability. Interference with BtSgAbd-2 during the nymphal stages shows lethal effects on the whitefly. When BtSgAbd-2 dsRNA is applied in combination with matrine, the mortality is much higher than single treatment. To confirm this result, hairpin dsRNA targeting BtSgAbd-2 is produced in the E. coli system and enhances the effective control in combination with matrine. CONCLUSION: Interfering with BtSgAbd-2 disrupts cuticle formation, increases uptake of exogenous substances, and enhances the mortality in combination with matrine. This integrative approach provides a promising solution for efficient and sustainable management of the whitefly. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.