RNA-Based Biocontrols—A New Paradigm in Crop Protection

Abstract

Modern agribusiness plays a vital role in safeguarding and improving the production, quality, and quantity of food, feed, fiber, and fuel. Growing concerns over the impact of chemical pesticides on health and the environment have stimulated the industry to search for alternative and greener solutions. Over the last years, the RNA interference (RNAi) process has been identified as a very promising new approach to complement the arsenal of foliar spray, soil, or seed treatments applied as chemical and biological pest control agents, and of plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs). RNA-based active ingredients (AIs) possess a unique mode of action and can be implemented via both genetic modification (GM) and biocontrol approaches. RNA-based AIs promise to deliver the selectivity and sustainability desired in future crop protection agents. This is due to their utilization of a natural process to exert control and their high level of selectivity, which leads to reduced risk for non-target organisms (NTOs). This review discusses the advantages and limitations of RNA-based solutions in crop protection and recent research progress toward RNA-based biocontrols against the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), corn rootworm (CRW), and soy stink bug (SSB). Many challenges still exist on the road to the implementation of a broad range of RNA-based products and their widespread use and application. Despite these challenges, it can be expected that RNA-based AIs will become valuable new tools complementing the current arsenal of crop-protection solutions.