Abstract: A method of introducing a molecule of interest into an insect or an insect cell includes interacting a cell-penetrating peptide with a molecule of interest to form a complex. The structure is then placed in contact with an insect or an insect cell and allowing uptake of the complex into the insect or insect cell. Alternatively, an RNA polynucleotide (mRNA, or an RNAi-mediating molecule) can be introduced in an insect or an insect cell by interacting a peptide with the polynucleotide of interest to form a complex, allowing uptake of the RNA complex into the insect or insect cell, and expressing the polynucleotide in the insect or an insect cell.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a plant insect pest, such as Coleopteran, Hemiptera, or Lepidopteran plant pest, including a Diabrotica, Leptinotarsa, Phyllotreta, Acyrthosiphan, Bemisia, Halyomorpha, Nezara, or Spodoptera plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. Disclosed are various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-398 disclosed herein, or variants and fragments thereof, or complements thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more of the sequences in the target pest controls the pest. Plants, plant parts, bacteria and other host cells comprising the silencing elements or an active variant or fragment thereof of the invention are also provided.