RNAi as a Foliar Spray: Efficiency and Challenges to Field Applications

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool that is being increasingly utilized for crop protection against viruses, fungal pathogens, and insect pests. The non-transgenic approach of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which relies on spray application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to induce RNAi,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2022-06, Vol.23 (12), p.6639
Main Authors: Hoang, Bao Tram L., Fletcher, Stephen J., Brosnan, Christopher A., Ghodke, Amol B., Manzie, Narelle, Mitter, Neena
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Double-stranded RNA
Fungi
Gene expression
Gene silencing
Host range
Insects
Pathogens
Pests
Plant protection
Proteins
Review
RNA polymerase
RNA-mediated interference
Vascular tissue
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Summary:RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool that is being increasingly utilized for crop protection against viruses, fungal pathogens, and insect pests. The non-transgenic approach of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which relies on spray application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to induce RNAi, has come to prominence due to its safety and environmental benefits in addition to its wide host range and high target specificity. However, along with promising results in recent studies, several factors limiting SIGS RNAi efficiency have been recognized in insects and plants. While sprayed dsRNA on the plant surface can produce a robust RNAi response in some chewing insects, plant uptake and systemic movement of dsRNA is required for delivery to many other target organisms. For example, pests such as sucking insects require the presence of dsRNA in vascular tissues, while many fungal pathogens are predominately located in internal plant tissues. Investigating the mechanisms by which sprayed dsRNA enters and moves through plant tissues and understanding the barriers that may hinder this process are essential for developing efficient ways to deliver dsRNA into plant systems. In this review, we assess current knowledge of the plant foliar and cellular uptake of dsRNA molecules. We will also identify major barriers to uptake, including leaf morphological features as well as environmental factors, and address methods to overcome these barriers.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms23126639