The project titled "Improving the Effectiveness of dsRNA in the Control of Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say.) with Mineral-Based Nanocomposites," led by Prof. Dr. Ayhan GÖKÇE, a faculty member of our university's Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Department of Plant Production and Technologies, and involving our faculty member Assoc. Prof. Eminur ELÇi, Dr. Emre AKSOY from the Middle East Technical University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orkun ERSOY from Hacettepe University's Department of Geological Engineering, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Allah BAKHSH from Punjab University's Department of Molecular Biology has been awarded support in the 2023/2 Period of TÜBİTAK ARDEB 1001 projects. The project employs a multidisciplinary approach, involving three different universities from our country and a research institution from Pakistan.

The project aims to combat the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say.), a major pest in potato production, through the RNA interference (RNAi) method by silencing genes via dsRNA. Additionally, the project aims to develop new application methods based on the production of dsRNA/mineral nanocomposites. To achieve this goal, nanocomposite production will be carried out to enhance the stability and effectiveness of dsRNA under environmental conditions, such as UV rays and enzymatic activities like RNase, which could lead to degradation when directly applied to plants in field conditions.

Through this project, the stability and efficacy of dsRNA in environmental conditions will be improved, thereby reducing dependency on chemical control methods and contributing to the development of environmentally friendly pest control strategies in potato production.