Review paper
Strategies to improve the efficiency of RNAi-mediated crop protection for pest control
Kim, Dae Sung; Zhang, Jiang
Entomologia Generalis Volume 43 Number 1 (2023), p. 5 - 19
published: Mar 22, 2023
published online: Aug 29, 2022
manuscript accepted: Jun 29, 2022
final revised version received: May 10, 2022
manuscript revision requested: Apr 19, 2022
manuscript received: Mar 30, 2022
DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/2022/1638
ArtNo. ESP146004301001, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture depends on environmental-friendly practices and technologies with a minimal environmental footprint. Pesticide resistance in pests drives the development of a new strategy for crop protection. Efforts to develop eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides have recently taken turns to RNA interference (RNAi)-based technology, which has emerged as a promising approach for pest control in the past decade. Silencing essential genes in pest insects by RNAi can lead to lethal effects. While RNAi-based products are currently commercialized to markets, the application against a wide range of insect species is still hindered by several challenges. In this review, we discuss the molecular and environmental factors affecting RNAi efficacy, delivery strategies and formulation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by which insects can be targeted. Furthermore, physiological and cellular barriers leading to compromised RNAi efficacy among different insect orders and limitations for RNAi application are addressed. Finally, strategies to improve insect control using RNAi in a sustainable manner are also discussed to overcome these barriers, which could lead to effective control of insect via RNAi.
Keywords
RNA interference • double-stranded RNA • pest control • RNAi efficiency • sustainable strategies