Research Projects

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a significant pest that infests over 900 plant species worldwide. The species complex consists of 44 cryptic species, with 11 reported in India. The B. tabaci epidemic in Northern India devastated the Bt cotton crop, causing a 35% decline in average cotton productivity. To address the issue of synthetic chemicals resistance and environmental safety, novel pest management strategies are needed. G-Protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial in insects, regulating physiological processes. Tachykinins, which stimulate diuretic activity in insects, have been studied in locusts, pea aphids, and Drosophilla, but no information is available on their role in whitefly. This study proposes a first-time characterization of tachkynin (TK) peptides and their receptors in whitefly using modern genetic tools like bioinformatics, heterologous reporter assays, and RNAi. The researchers aim to identify potential synthetic peptides with anatagonist/agonist activity for TKR and test them against whitefly. The hypothesis is that synthetic peptide mimics of TKR disrupt tachykinin receptor activity, affecting whitefly diuresis and potentially leading to mortality. The project will involve cloning and characterization of TK and TKR genes, silencing the TKR gene through RNAi, recording phenotypes, and identifying synthetic peptide mimics using luminometer/calcium assays. The success of this project will provide a platform for future research in other insects and the development of new generation insecticides.