Files and links (2)
Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
RNA-Based Control of Fungal Pathogens in Plants
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol.24(15), pp.1-34
2023
Abstract
Our duty to conserve global natural ecosystems is increasingly in conflict with our need to feed an expanding population. The use of conventional pesticides not only damages the environment and vulnerable biodiversity but can also still fail to prevent crop losses of 20–40% due to pests and pathogens. There is a growing call for more ecologically sustainable pathogen control measures. RNA-based biopesticides offer an eco-friendly alternative to the use of conventional fungicides for crop protection. The genetic modification (GM) of crops remains controversial in many countries, though expression of transgenes inducing pathogen-specific RNA interference (RNAi) has been proven effective against many agronomically important fungal pathogens. The topical application of pathogen-specific RNAi-inducing sprays is a more responsive, GM-free approach to conventional RNAi transgene-based crop protection. The specific targeting of essential pathogen genes, the development of RNAi-nanoparticle carrier spray formulations, and the possible structural modifications to the RNA molecules themselves are crucial to the success of this novel technology. Here, we outline the current understanding of gene silencing pathways in plants and fungi and summarize the pioneering and recent work exploring RNA-based biopesticides for crop protection against fungal pathogens, with a focus on spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). Further, we discuss factors that could affect the success of RNA-based control strategies, including RNA uptake, stability, amplification, and movement within and between the plant host and pathogen, as well as the cost and design of RNA pesticides.
Details
- Title
- RNA-Based Control of Fungal Pathogens in Plants
- Authors
- Christopher W. G. Mann (Author) - The University of QueenslandAnne Sawyer (Author) - The University of QueenslandDonald M. Gardiner (Author) - The University of QueenslandNeena Mitter (Author) - The University of QueenslandBernard J. Carroll (Author) - The University of QueenslandAndrew L. Eamens (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
- Publication details
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol.24(15), pp.1-34
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.3390/ijms241512391
- ISSN
- 1422-0067
- Copyright note
- © 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Grants
- Grant note
- Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) / UOQ2201-007RSX
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99744893502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
7 File views/ downloads
55 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites