Tracking the Movement: Investigating dsRNA Transport Between Leaves in RNA-Based Pest Control
- Beschreibung
This project aims to test whether double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) applied to one leaf of a plant can be systemically transported to other leaves. The focus is on understanding the movement of RNA molecules within plants, an essential step in optimizing RNA-based pest control strategies.
Students will apply dsRNA targeting the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) to one leaf, either by spraying (with adjuvants) or infiltration, and then release beetle larvae onto untreated leaves of the same plant. Because CPB is highly sensitive to RNA interference (RNAi), successful transport of dsRNA to distant tissues will result in insect mortality.
This experiment provides hands-on experience in plant handling, RNA delivery methods, insect bioassays, and basic molecular techniques for confirming RNA presence and stability. The project offers an exciting opportunity to study systemic RNA movement and its implications for developing effective RNA-based pest control.
- Beschreibung des interdisziplinären Teils des Projekts
- The project connects molecular biology, plant physiology, and entomology. It combines RNA technology with plant–insect interaction studies, offering a multidisciplinary learning experience in the emerging field of RNA-based crop protection.
- Projektzeitraum
- Wintersemester 2025/2026
- Bewerbungszeitraum
- 13. bis 27.10.2025
- Durchführung
- nach Absprache
- Details zu Projektzeitraum und Durchführung
The project can be carried out as a block module or a semester-long project, depending on student availability and greenhouse scheduling.
- Studienfach
-
Agrarbiologie
Agrarwissenschaften
Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics & Subtropics
Bioeconomy
Biologie
Biologie - Lehramt
Biotechnologiy
Crop Sciences
Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production
Environmental Science - Soil, Water and Biodiversity
Food Biotechnology
Food Science and Engineering
Food Science and Technology
Food Systems
Landscape Ecology
Organic Agriculture and Food Systems
Sustainability & Change
Wirtschaftswissenschaften - Betreuende
- Venkata Partha Sarathi Amineni
- Institut
- Institut für Phytomedizin (360) (360)
- Sprache
- deutsch
- Teilnehmendenanzahl
- min. 1, max. 1
- Arbeitsaufwand
-
ca. 120 Stunden pro Teilnehmende:r
| 4
ECTS-Punkte
Arbeitsaufwand (Stunden und ggf. ECTS) sind ungefähre Angaben. Die tatsächlich vergebenen ECTS-Punkte ergeben sich aus der tatsächlich geleisteten Arbeit.
- Für dieses Projekt ist kein Motivationsschreiben des Studierenden erforderlich
- Projektart
- experimentell
- Lernziele
-
Die Teilnehmende lernen in diesem Projekt:
After completing the project, students will be able to:
- describe the concept of RNA interference and systemic RNA transport in plants.
- apply RNA delivery methods such as spraying and infiltration.
- analyze insect responses as bioindicators of RNA movement.
- evaluate experimental outcomes using mortality data and RNA detection assays.
- develop ideas to improve RNA stability and movement in plant tissues.
- Anmerkungen für Studierende
This project is well-suited for Bachelor’s or Master’s students interested in plant molecular biology, entomology, or biotechnology. No prior lab experience is required, training will be provided. The project involves greenhouse work, RNA applications, and insect bioassays, and can be adapted to the student’s skills and schedule.
- Schlagworte
- dsRNA, RNA Transport, RNA interference, Colorado potato beetle, systemic movement, plant physiology, pest control, molecular Biology, RNA spraying