| abstract |
Disclosed are double stranded RNA molecules that are toxic to flea beetles, particularly the flea beetle species Psylliodes chrysocephala, Phyllotreta nemorum, Phyllotreta striolata, Phyllotreta armoraciae, Phyllotreta atra and Phyllotreta cruciferae. In particular, interfering RNA molecules capable of interfering with pest target genes and that are toxic to the target pest are provided. Further, methods of making and using the interfering RNA, for example in transgenic plants or as the active ingredient in a composition, to confer protection from insect damage are disclosed. |