Nanoparticle‐enhanced multi‐target RNAi in Myzus persicae : Molecular mechanisms, cross‐kingdom sRNA transfer, and efficacy for sustainable pest management

Abstract BACKGROUND The green peach aphid ( Myzus persicae ) is a major agricultural pest with documented resistance to multiple insecticide classes. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a sustainable alternative, but inefficient double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake limits field application. This study evaluated carbon dots (CDs) and chitosan–tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (ChNPs) as delivery vehicles for multi‐target dsRNA against five essential aphid genes: acetylcholinesterase‐like ( AChE ), nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ( nAChR ), carboxylesterase ( CarE ), cytochrome P450 ( CYP6CY3 ), and Ya1 lncRNA. RESULTS Nanoparticle complexation enhanced dsRNA delivery onto pepper leaves 3.7–14.0‐fold compared to naked dsRNA ( P < 0.001). Coated dsRNAs reduced target transcript levels by 82–99%, achieving 93.5% aphid mortality (CD:dsRNA) within 6 days, comparable to spirotetramat (91.0%). In greenhouse trials, ChNP:dsRNA‐treated plants exhibited 38% greater aerial biomass than untreated controls ( P < 0.001). High‐throughput sequencing revealed efficient dsRNA processing in pepper and siRNA profiles in feeding aphids consistent with cross‐kingdom transfer, with 24‐nt siRNAs characteristic of plant DCL3 processing detected in aphids. Differential expression analysis identified significantly altered aphid miRNAs enriched for cell adhesion, transcriptional regulation, and G protein‐coupled receptor signaling. CONCLUSION Nanocarrier‐mediated multi‐target RNAi achieved aphid mortality comparable to a commercial insecticide while maintaining superior plant health. The detection of plant‐characteristic siRNAs in feeding aphids suggests cross‐kingdom sRNA transfer that may enhance RNAi efficacy. These findings support nanoparticle–dsRNA formulations as effective components of integrated pest management. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.