From DNA to defense: the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) for sustainable agriculture

Authors

  • Laura Camacho-Jiménez Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica. Coordinación de Tecnología de Alimentos de Origen Animal. Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.), Carretera Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas 46, Hermosillo, Sonora, 83304, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0278-5943
  • Cecilia Castro-López Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas. Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, 25315, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9672-3411
  • Miguel Ángel García-Moreno Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas. Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, 25315, México. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7838-7040
  • Ricardo González-Ruiz Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas. Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Saltillo, Coahuila, 25315, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1062-0313

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59741/eebkg663

Keywords:

RNAi, SIGS, HIGS, biopesticides, sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Modern agriculture faces critical challenges, as pests and diseases can cause crop losses of up to 40%, while intensive agrochemical use impacts environmental health and biodiversity. RNA interference (RNAi) is an innovative and sustainable alternative for crop protection by silencing or "turning off" specific genes in pathogens and pests. There are two main strategies: Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), which involves genetically modifying plants to internally produce RNA molecules that silence genes of invaders, and spray-induced gene silencing (SGIA), which consists of the application of exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) through spraying. This latter approach is particularly promising because it does not require the generation of genetically modified organisms, facilitating their acceptance and application in the field. Recent studies have shown that spray-dried dsRNA can precisely control viruses, fungi, and insects, and using formulations containing nanomaterials has improved the stability and effectiveness of dsRNA under real-world environmental conditions. Therefore, RNAi technology is emerging as a tool capable of reducing dependence on agrochemicals and promoting environmentally friendly production systems.

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Published

2024-09-25

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How to Cite

From DNA to defense: the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) for sustainable agriculture. (2024). Agraria, 21(3), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.59741/eebkg663

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