This dataset is the result of a study to assess 3-day and 7-day mortality of species closely related to target CPB (Colorado Potato Beetle – Leptinotarsa decemlineata) after exposure to the RNA-based biocontrol candidate for CPB.

The species involved in the experiment were freshly hatched neonates of the Cowpea Seed Beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus) and L1 of Northern Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica barberi), Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera) and Southern Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi).

The experimental design included a bioassay per species, per treatment, per rate and all replicated twice. The treatments were the lead construct (the RNA-based biocontrol candidate for CPB), a control and a positive control. The rates tested for the lead construct were 2x, 1x and 0.005x the field application rate. The plates were scored on day 3 and day 7 at approximately the same time.

The bioassays were setup and rated using Syngenta’s standard bioassay screening procedures, although this was not a GLP experiment. When ascertaining whether the test subjects were alive or dead, they would be poked and subsequently observed for movement. The mortality was calculated per replicate as {sum of dead test subjects/(sum of all test subjects)}.