| Abstract |
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a novel disease control strategy that relies on spraying designed double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) onto the surface of the crop. Once the dsRNA is absorbed by the pathogenic fungi or pests, dsRNA induces gene silencing in the cell, thus inhibiting the invasion of pests or pathogens. However, dsRNA can be degraded by RNase or UV irradiation in the environment. Thus, how to improve the stability of dsRNA in the field will be a difficult problem to be solved. Through this interdisciplinary project, we will utilize bacteria to produce a high amount of dsRNA and encapsulate them into organic nanoparticles to test whether the nanoparticle can protect dsRNA and enter into the fungal and insect cells to induce gene silencing in Colletotrichum fungi and fall armyworm. We hope that SIGS will become a sustainable biochemical pesticide in the future. |
