Compositions and methods for controlling arthropod parasite and pest infestations

Abstract

This application provides and discloses anti-parasitic, anti-pest or insecticidal nucleic acid molecules and their calmodulin target genes for the control of arthropod parasites and pests. In particular, this application provides and discloses insecticidal nucleic acid molecules that target Varroa calmodulin gene sequences. This application further provides methods and compositions for the control and treatment of parasites and pests in Apis mellifera (honey bee) hives.

1 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A selective insecticide composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule, wherein said nucleic acid molecule is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 90-92, and wherein the nucleic acid molecule does not comprise a sequence of 22 or more contiguous nucleotides that are 100% identical or complementary to a gene sequence of a non-target organism. 
     
     
         50 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 49 , further comprising an excipient. 
     
     
         51 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 50 , wherein said excipient is selected from the group consisting of protein, pollen, carbohydrate, polymer, liquid solvent, sugar syrup, sugar solid, and semi-solid feed. 
     
     
         52 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 49 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90. 
     
     
         53 . The selective insecticide composition of claim  1 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91. 
     
     
         54 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 49 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92. 
     
     
         55 . A selective insecticide composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule, wherein said nucleic acid molecule is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 90-92, and wherein the nucleic acid molecule does not comprise a sequence of 19 or more contiguous nucleotides that are 100% identical or complementary to a gene sequence of  Apis mellifera.    
     
     
         56 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 55 , further comprising an excipient. 
     
     
         57 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 56 , wherein said excipient is selected from the group consisting of protein, pollen, carbohydrate, polymer, liquid solvent, sugar syrup, sugar solid, and semi-solid feed. 
     
     
         58 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 55 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90. 
     
     
         59 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 55 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91. 
     
     
         60 . The selective insecticide composition of  claim 55 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92. 
     
     
         61 . A method of selectively treating an arthropod species for parasites, comprising delivering an effective amount of a nucleic acid molecule, to said arthropod species, wherein said nucleic acid molecule is a dsRNA comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 90-92, and wherein the nucleic acid molecule does not comprise a sequence of 19 or more contiguous nucleotides that are 100% identical or complementary to a gene sequence of a  Apis mellifera.    
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein said treatment decreases the parasitic load of said arthropod species, reduces the death of said arthropod species, or prevents parasitation of said arthropod species. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein said arthropod species is selected from the group consisting of  Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, Trigona minima , Halictidae, and  Bombus  spp. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein said parasites are in the class Acari. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein said parasites are  Varroa destructor.    
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein said delivering comprises a method selected from the group consisting of delivery through a feeder, spraying on hive frames, and contact using an intra-hive device impregnated with said composition. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein said dsRNA comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92.