What is RNA interference?
Double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) is a type of RNA made of two complementary strands that form a double helix. It is used by some viruses to make cells produce new viruses. As a defense against viruses, organisms have evolved to recognize a dsRNA as an intruding virus, cut it to pieces and telling its cells that if it sees a messenger RNA with a sequence parallel to the cut piece, it should not be made into a protein. This process is called RNA interference.
Modern agriculture faces a tough challenge: how to protect crops from pests without relying on harmful chemicals? A promising answer lies in RNA interference (RNAi), a natural biological process shared by nearly all living organisms.
RNAi acts as a genetic “off switch,” enabling scientists to silence specific genes in pest insects and reduce the damage they cause to crops. In the field, this can be achieved by applying a dsRNA-based spray to the crop, like other plant protection products. When the target pest feeds on the treated crop, the dsRNA enters its cells and, eventually, blocks the production of essential proteins, ultimately causing the pest’s death. This approach appears to be precise, targeted, and potentially much safer for the environment than conventional pesticides.
In 2024, the first sprayable dsRNA-based plant protection product (CalanthaTM) was commercialized in the United States to control the notorious Colorado potato beetle, marking a major milestone in sustainable pest management. More recently, again in the US, NorroaTM, a product specifically designed to combat varroa mites, the leading threat to honey bee colonies, has been launched.