Chitosan double-stranded RNA nanocomplexes for Piezodorus guildinii control. [Research article].

ABSTRACT.- BACKGROUND: Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood, Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) causes economic losses in soybean crops by diminishing productivity, impacting grain size, oil content, and germination power. RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved gene regulation process initiated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), may be used as a safe technique in integrated pest management strategies. Conjugating dsRNA with cationic polymers, which protect dsRNA from degradation has shown to enhance this response. This study aims to assess the impact of dsRNA administration on the viability of P.