Compositions and methods for controlling arthropod parasite and pest infestations
Inventors
Inberg, Alex • Kapoor, Mahak • Evans, Jay
Assignees
US Department of Agriculture USDA • Greenlight Biosciences Inc
Publication Number
US-10100306-B2
Publication Date
2018-10-16
Expiration Date
2034-11-04
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Abstract
This application provides and discloses anti-parasitic, anti-pest or insecticidal nucleic acid molecules and their calmodulin target genes for the control of arthropod parasites and pests. This application further provides methods and compositions for the control and treatment of parasites and pests in Apis mellifera (honey bee) hives.
Core Innovation
This invention discloses compositions and methods comprising anti-parasitic, anti-pest, or insecticidal nucleic acid molecules targeting calmodulin gene sequences or RNA transcribed therefrom, for controlling arthropod parasites and pests. It specifically provides methods and compositions to control infestations such as Varroa destructor mites in honey bee hives by delivering nucleic acid molecules, including double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), essentially complementary or identical to calmodulin gene sequences, resulting in down-regulation of these genes in the parasites.
The problem addressed is the severe impact of arthropod pests and parasites, particularly Varroa destructor mites, on the health and populations of honey bees, which are vital for agriculture through pollination and product generation. Existing control methods, such as chemical miticides, have lost efficacy, cause toxicity, and contaminate bee products, contributing to phenomena like Colony Collapse Disorder. There is a pressing need for safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions to reduce such parasite infestations.
Claims Coverage
The claims include eight inventive features focused on methods using nucleic acid compositions to reduce parasitism or parasite load by targeting calmodulin gene sequences in Varroa destructor and other arthropod parasites.
Method of reducing parasitation of honeybees by Varroa destructor
Providing an effective amount of a nucleic acid composition essentially identical or complementary to a region of a Varroa destructor calmodulin gene sequence or RNA transcribed therefrom, thereby reducing parasitation of the honeybee by Varroa destructor.
Method of reducing parasite load of a honeybee hive
Providing an effective amount of a nucleic acid essentially identical or complementary to a calmodulin gene region of a parasite or RNA transcribed therefrom to the hive to reduce parasite load.
Selective treatment of arthropod species for parasites
Delivering an effective amount of a nucleic acid essentially identical or complementary to a parasite calmodulin gene region or RNA transcribed therefrom to an arthropod species, which decreases parasite load, reduces death, or prevents parasitation.
Treatment of a wide range of arthropod species and parasites
Application to arthropods including honey bees and other listed species and to parasites such as ticks, mites, parasitic wasps, flies, lice, and fleas, including Varroa destructor.
Delivery methods for nucleic acid compositions
Providing compositions through feeders, spraying on hive frames, or through intra-hive devices impregnated with the nucleic acid composition.
Method for treatment or prevention of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in honeybee colonies
Administering a dsRNA nucleic acid molecule essentially complementary or identical to a Varroa destructor calmodulin gene sequence to treat or prevent CCD by reducing Varroa mite infestation.
Use of specific nucleic acid sequences for effective treatment
Employing nucleic acid molecules with at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3 or comprising at least 18 contiguous nucleotides thereof, with specific mention of dsRNA sequence SEQ ID NO: 3 for effective treatment.
The claims provide comprehensive methods of using nucleic acid compositions targeting parasite calmodulin gene sequences to reduce parasitism and parasite load in honeybees and other arthropods, encompassing specific sequences, delivery modes, and prevention or treatment of Colony Collapse Disorder.
Stated Advantages
Safe, efficacious, and long-lasting solution to Varroa mite infestations in honeybee colonies.
Reduced toxicity and avoidance of chemical residues in honey and bee products.
Ability to selectively target parasite gene expression with minimal effects on host organisms.
Potential to prevent and treat Colony Collapse Disorder by controlling Varroa mite levels.
Documented Applications
Controlling and treating Varroa destructor mite infestations in Apis mellifera (honey bee) hives.
Treating or preventing Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybee colonies by reducing Varroa mite infestation levels.
Reducing parasite load and parasitation levels in honeybee colonies and hives.
Selective treatment of various arthropod species and their parasites including ticks, mites, parasitic wasps, fleas, lice, and flies.
Delivery of nucleic acid compositions through bee feeding, spraying on hive frames, or intra-hive devices impregnated with the compositions.
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