RNAi technology is considered an important tool to analyze gene function. In the current study, caspase-1, a vital gene in the apoptosis mechanism, was partially detected from Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae and silenced using a topical assay of the dsRNA. Analysis of the gene transcript showed that the dsRNA could reduce caspase-1 mRNA, significantly 24 h post-treatment. However, the gene gradually recovered its expression, and even the treated gene expression became fairly higher than the control on day three. This indicated that the silencing effect was not persistent over time. Biological experiments showed that the caspase-1 dsRNA did not produce significant mortality. However, the development time of the third instar larvae increased significantly after treatment by the dsRNA (25, 50 and 100 ng/μl) in a dose-dependent manner. Also, knockdown of caspase-1 reduced the bodyweight of the third instar larvae as well as the emergence of the adult. These results are indicating that caspase-1 has a significant role in the growth and development of the insect. [Display omitted] • Caspase-1 gene of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) -was detected, isolated, and sequenced. • The gene silencing affected gene expression level, significantly. • The silencing gene adversely affected the larval development time, bodyweight, as well as the adult emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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