The future is now: revolution of RNA-mediated gene silencing in plant protection against insect pests and diseases

Abstract

The global agricultural direct yield loss is estimated up to 40% and minimizing such loss is therefore crucial for future sustainability of global crop production. The discovery of RNA-mediated gene silencing mechanism has improved our understanding on gene expression and their regulation. The mechanism was later found applicable for controlling various plant pathogens. Recent discoveries indicated that plant small RNAs are involved in plant defence not only against viruses but also extended to other pathogens, such as insect pests and fungi. This finding showed that RNA-mediated gene silencing is a conserved strategy employed by plant as a defence mechanism and will boost the application of RNA-mediated gene silencing to improve crop resistance against various pests and diseases. This review provided summaries of the application of RNA-mediated gene silencing in the plant protection against various pests and diseases including from nematodes, insects, fungi, and viruses. The strategies used and significant findings were also discussed and this information can be considered for future planning of similar study. This review also provided the latest trends and potential applications of dsRNA via non-transgenic approach to control pests and diseases, namely spray-induced gene silencing. The advantages and disadvantages of application of RNA-mediated gene silencing in plant protection via transgenic and non-transgenic approaches were also discussed. The application of RNA-mediated gene silencing could offer a promising solution for plant protection against pests and diseases.