Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of controlling pests that involves administering RNA interfering agents. Particularly exemplified is the control of Lepidopteran species such as diamondback moths and fall armyworms. Also disclosed is the use of double-stranded RNA molecules to target certain genes in Lepidopteran species.

Abstract: Disclosed are agents, compositions and methods of treating or controlling Botrytis infection particularly in plants. Certain agents include polynucleotide molecules that induce RNAi when administered to B. cinerea fungal cells. In particular embodiments, compositions include a fungicidally effective amount of a polynucleotide comprising at least 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 575, or 600 contiguous nucleotides that are essentially complementary to or comprises at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 98%, about 100%, or 100% sequence identity with a segment of a DNA or target gene of B. cinerea, or an RNA transcribed from the DNA or target gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods that involve recombinant polynucleotide molecules, such as single or double-stranded DNA or RNA molecules, also referred to “triggers”, that are useful for controlling or preventing E. necator infection, or recombinant DNA constructs for making such RNA molecules or for making transgenic grape plants resistant to E. necator infection. In some embodiments, polynucleotide triggers are provided as topically applied agents for controlling or preventing infection of a plant by E. necator. In some embodiments, grape plants with improved resistance to infection by E. necator, such as transgenic grape plants (including seeds or propagatable parts) expressing a polynucleotide trigger are provided. In some embodiments, grape plants (including seeds or propagatable parts) that have been topically treated with a composition comprising a polynucleotide trigger (e.g., grape plants that have been sprayed with a solution of dsRNA molecules) are provided.