RNA-Based Control of Fungal Pathogens in Plants

Christopher W. G. Mann; Anne Sawyer; Donald M. Gardiner; Neena Mitter; Bernard J. Carroll; Andrew L. Eamens

doi:10.3390/ijms241512391

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RNA-Based Control of Fungal Pathogens in Plants

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

RNA-Based Control of Fungal Pathogens in Plants

Christopher W. G. Mann, Anne Sawyer, Donald M. Gardiner, Neena Mitter, Bernard J. Carroll and Andrew L. Eamens

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol.24(15), pp.1-34

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512391

PMCID: PMC10418863

PMID: 37569766

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Abstract

gene silencing

RNA interference (RNAi)

topical RNAi

cross-kingdom RNAi

spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS)

hos-induced gene silencing (HIGS)

RNA carriers

crop protection

fungal pathogens

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 Queensland
Anne Sawyer (Author) - The University of Queensland
Donald M. Gardiner (Author) - The University of Queensland
Neena Mitter (Author) - The University of Queensland
Bernard J. Carroll (Author) - The University of Queensland
Andrew 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
PMID: 37569766; PMC10418863
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: Clay nanoparticle-facilitated RNAi for non-transgenic modification of crops, DP190103486, Australian Research Council (Australia, Canberra) - ARC
ARC Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection , IH190100022, Australian Research Council (Australia, Canberra) - ARC
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

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