RNAi‐based transgenic maize to control double‐spotted leaf beetle (Monolepta hieroglyphica)

The double-spotted leaf beetle (DLB), Monolepta hieroglyphica, is becoming a significant corn pest in China. It mainly attacks corn silk and developing kernels during the adult stage and is causing significant corn yield loss in north-eastern China. The damage caused by DLB is expected to worsen as pesticide usage is likely to decrease along with the upcoming commercial planting of transgenic lepidopteran-resistant maize in China. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop transgenic corn for DLB resistance.