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Gill RA, Li X, Duan S, Xing Q, Müller-Xing R. Citrus threat huanglongbing (HLB) - Could the rootstock provide the cure? Front Plant Sci 2024; 15:1330846. [PMID: 38405591 PMCID: PMC10885694 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1330846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaqat A. Gill
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xianglian Li
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuo Duan
- China-USA Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory (A Joint Laboratory of The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Gannan Normal University), National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qian Xing
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ralf Müller-Xing
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang, China
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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2
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Chaudhary D, Jeena AS, Rohit, Gaur S, Raj R, Mishra S, Kajal, Gupta OP, Meena MR. Advances in RNA Interference for Plant Functional Genomics: Unveiling Traits, Mechanisms, and Future Directions. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-023-04850-x. [PMID: 38175411 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04850-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved molecular mechanism that plays a critical role in post-transcriptional gene silencing across diverse organisms. This review delves into the role of RNAi in plant functional genomics and its applications in crop improvement, highlighting its mechanistic insights and practical implications. The review begins with the foundational discovery of RNAi's mechanism, tracing its origins from petunias to its widespread presence in various organisms. Various classes of regulatory non-coding small RNAs, including siRNAs, miRNAs, and phasiRNAs, have been uncovered, expanding the scope of RNAi-mediated gene regulation beyond conventional understanding. These RNA classes participate in intricate post-transcriptional and epigenetic processes that influence gene expression. In the context of crop enhancement, RNAi has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding gene functions. It has proven effective in deciphering gene roles related to stress resistance, metabolic pathways, and more. Additionally, RNAi-based approaches hold promise for integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture, contributing to global efforts in food security. This review discusses RNAi's diverse applications, such as modifying plant architecture, extending shelf life, and enhancing nutritional content in crops. The challenges and future prospects of RNAi technology, including delivery methods and biosafety concerns, are also explored. The global landscape of RNAi research is highlighted, with significant contributions from regions such as China, Europe, and North America. In conclusion, RNAi remains a versatile and pivotal tool in modern plant research, offering novel avenues for understanding gene functions and improving crop traits. Its integration with other biotechnological approaches such as gene editing holds the potential to shape the future of agriculture and sustainable food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Chaudhary
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anand Singh Jeena
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Rohit
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sonali Gaur
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rishi Raj
- ICAR- Sugarcane Breeding Institute-Regional Centre, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | | | - Kajal
- Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh, 140143, India
| | - Om Prakash Gupta
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India.
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Wang MR, Bi WL, Ren L, Zhang AL, Ma XY, Zhang D, Volk GM, Wang QC. Micrografting: An Old Dog Plays New Tricks in Obligate Plant Pathogens. Plant Dis 2022; 106:2545-2557. [PMID: 35350886 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-22-0475-fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micrografting, which was developed almost 50 years ago, has long been used for virus eradication, micropropagation, regeneration, rejuvenation, and graft compatibility. Recently, micrografting has been used for studies of long-distance trafficking and signaling of molecules between scions and rootstocks. The graft transmissiveness of obligate plant pathogens, such as viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas, facilitated the use of micrografting to study biological indexing and pathogen transmission, pathogen-induced graft incompatibility, and screening for the pathogen resistance during the past 20 years. The present study provides comprehensive information on the latter subjects. Finally, prospects are proposed to direct further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Rui Wang
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Region, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, P.R. China
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Lu Bi
- Department of Plant Agriculture, Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Li Ren
- Institute for Agri-Food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, P.R. China
| | - A-Ling Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ma
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Gayle M Volk
- USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, 1111 S. Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521, U.S.A
| | - Qiao-Chun Wang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, P.R. China
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Alquézar B, Bennici S, Carmona L, Gentile A, Peña L. Generation of Transfer-DNA-Free Base-Edited Citrus Plants. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:835282. [PMID: 35371165 PMCID: PMC8965368 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.835282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
To recover transgenic citrus plants in the most efficient manner, the use of selection marker genes is essential. In this work, it was shown that the mutated forms of the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene in combination with the herbicide selection agent imazapyr (IMZ) added to the selection medium may be used to achieve this goal. This approach enables the development of cisgenic regenerants, namely, plants without the incorporation of those bacterial genes currently employed for transgenic selection, and additionally it allows the generation of edited, non-transgenic plants with altered endogenous ALS genes leading to IMZ resistance. In this work, the citrus mutants, in which ALS has been converted into IMZ-resistant forms using a base editor system, were recovered after cocultivation of the explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying a cytidine deaminase fused to nSpCas9 in the T-DNA and selecting regenerants in the culture medium supplemented with IMZ. Analysis of transgene-free plants indicated that the transient expression of the T-DNA genes was sufficient to induce ALS mutations and thus generate IMZ-resistant shoots at 11.7% frequency. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T-DNA-free edited citrus plants. Although further optimization is required to increase edition efficiency, this methodology will allow generating new citrus varieties with improved organoleptic/agronomic features without the need to use foreign genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Alquézar
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Pesquisa, and Desenvolvimento, Fundo de Defesa da Citricultura (Fundecitrus), Araraquara, Brazil
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Stefania Bennici
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lourdes Carmona
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Leandro Peña
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Pesquisa, and Desenvolvimento, Fundo de Defesa da Citricultura (Fundecitrus), Araraquara, Brazil
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Conti G, Xoconostle-Cázares B, Marcelino-Pérez G, Hopp HE, Reyes CA. Citrus Genetic Transformation: An Overview of the Current Strategies and Insights on the New Emerging Technologies. Front Plant Sci 2021; 12:768197. [PMID: 34917104 PMCID: PMC8670418 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.768197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Citrus are among the most prevailing fruit crops produced worldwide. The implementation of effective and reliable breeding programs is essential for coping with the increasing demands of satisfactory yield and quality of the fruit as well as to deal with the negative impact of fast-spreading diseases. Conventional methods are time-consuming and of difficult application because of inherent factors of citrus biology, such as their prolonged juvenile period and a complex reproductive stage, sometimes presenting infertility, self-incompatibility, parthenocarpy, or polyembryony. Moreover, certain desirable traits are absent from cultivated or wild citrus genotypes. All these features are challenging for the incorporation of the desirable traits. In this regard, genetic engineering technologies offer a series of alternative approaches that allow overcoming the difficulties of conventional breeding programs. This review gives a detailed overview of the currently used strategies for the development of genetically modified citrus. We describe different aspects regarding genotype varieties used, including elite cultivars or extensively used scions and rootstocks. Furthermore, we discuss technical aspects of citrus genetic transformation procedures via Agrobacterium, regular physical methods, and magnetofection. Finally, we describe the selection of explants considering young and mature tissues, protoplast isolation, etc. We also address current protocols and novel approaches for improving the in vitro regeneration process, which is an important bottleneck for citrus genetic transformation. This review also explores alternative emerging transformation strategies applied to citrus species such as transient and tissue localized transformation. New breeding technologies, including cisgenesis, intragenesis, and genome editing by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), are also discussed. Other relevant aspects comprising new promoters and reporter genes, marker-free systems, and strategies for induction of early flowering, are also addressed. We provided a future perspective on the use of current and new technologies in citrus and its potential impact on regulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Conti
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, UEDD INTA-CONICET, Hurlingham, Argentina
- Cátedra de Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Xoconostle-Cázares
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioingeniería, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Marcelino-Pérez
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioingeniería, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Horacio Esteban Hopp
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, UEDD INTA-CONICET, Hurlingham, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Agrobiotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (FBMC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carina A. Reyes
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular, CCT-La Plata, CONICET-UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Dutta TK, Papolu PK, Singh D, Sreevathsa R, Rao U. Expression interference of a number of Heterodera avenae conserved genes perturbs nematode parasitic success in Triticum aestivum. Plant Sci 2020; 301:110670. [PMID: 33218636 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae is distributed worldwide and causes substantial damage in bread wheat, Triticum aestivum. This nematode is extremely difficult to manage because of its prolonged persistence as unhatched eggs encased in cysts. Due to its sustainable and target-specific nature, RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategy has gained unprecedented importance for pest control. To date, RNAi strategy has not been exploited to manage H. avenae in wheat. In the present study, 40 H. avenae target genes with different molecular function were rationally selected for in vitro soaking analysis in order to assess their susceptibility to RNAi. In contrast to target-specific downregulation of 18 genes, 7 genes were upregulated and 15 genes showed unaltered expression (although combinatorial soaking showed some of these genes are RNAi susceptible), suggesting that a few of the target genes were refractory or recalcitrant to RNAi. However, RNAi of 37 of these genes negatively altered nematode behavior in terms of reduced penetration, development and reproduction in wheat. Subsequently, wheat plants were transformed with seven H. avenae target genes (that showed greatest abrogation of nematode parasitic success) for host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) analysis. Transformed plants were molecularly characterized by PCR, RT-qPCR and Southern hybridization. Production of target gene-specific double- and single-stranded RNA (dsRNA/siRNA) was detected in transformed plants. Transgenic expression of galectin, cathepsin L, vap1, serpin, flp12, RanBPM and chitinase genes conferred 33.24-72.4 % reduction in H. avenae multiplication in T1 events with single copy ones exhibiting greatest reduction. A similar degree of resistance observed in T2 plants indicated the consistent HIGS effect in the subsequent generations. Intriguingly, cysts isolated from RNAi plants were of smaller size with translucent cuticle compared to normal size, dark brown control cysts, suggesting H. avenae developmental retardation due to HIGS. Our study reinforces the potential of HIGS to manage nematode problems in crop plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar K Dutta
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Pradeep K Papolu
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Divya Singh
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Rohini Sreevathsa
- ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India.
| | - Uma Rao
- Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
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Belabess Z, Sagouti T, Rhallabi N, Tahiri A, Massart S, Tahzima R, Lahlali R, Jijakli MH. Citrus Psorosis Virus: Current Insights on a Still Poorly Understood Ophiovirus. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081197. [PMID: 32781662 PMCID: PMC7465697 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Citrus psorosis was reported for the first time in Florida in 1896 and was confirmed as a graft-transmissible disease in 1934. Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) is the presumed causal agent of this disease. It is considered as a type species of the genus Ophiovirus, within the family Aspiviridae. CPsV genome is a negative single-stranded RNA (-ssRNA) with three segments. It has a coat protein (CP) of 48 kDa and its particles are non-enveloped with naked filamentous nucleocapsids existing as either circular open structures or collapsed pseudo-linear forms. Numerous rapid and sensitive immuno-enzymatic and molecular-based detection methods specific to CPsV are available. CPsV occurrence in key citrus growing regions across the world has been spurred the establishment of the earliest eradication and virus-free budwood programs. Despite these efforts, CPsV remains a common and serious challenge in several countries and causes a range of symptoms depending on the isolate, the cultivar, and the environment. CPsV can be transmitted mechanically to some herbaceous hosts and back to citrus. Although CPsV was confirmed to be seedborne, the seed transmission is not efficient. CPsV natural spread has been increasing based on both CPsV surveys detection and specific CPsV symptoms monitoring. However, trials to ensure its transmission by a soil-inhabiting fungus and one aphid species have been unsuccessful. Psorosis disease control is achieved using CPsV-free buds for new plantations, launching budwood certification and indexing programs, and establishing a quarantine system for the introduction of new varieties. The use of natural resistance to control CPsV is very challenging. Transgenic resistance to at least some CPsV isolates is now possible in at least some sweet orange varieties and constitutes a promising biotechnological alternative to control CPsV. This paper provides an overview of the most remarkable achievements in CPsV research that could improve the understanding of the disease and lead the development of better control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zineb Belabess
- Plant Protection Laboratory. INRA, Centre Régional de la Recherche Agronomique (CRRA), Oujda 60000, Qualipole de Berkane, 63300 Berkane, Morocco;
| | - Tourya Sagouti
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de Mohammedia, Laboratoire de Virologie, Microbiologie et Qualité/Ecotoxicologie et Biodiversité, 20650 Mohammedia, Morocco; (T.S.); (N.R.)
| | - Naima Rhallabi
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de Mohammedia, Laboratoire de Virologie, Microbiologie et Qualité/Ecotoxicologie et Biodiversité, 20650 Mohammedia, Morocco; (T.S.); (N.R.)
| | - Abdessalem Tahiri
- Phytopathology Unit, Department of Plant Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, 50001 Meknes, Morocco;
| | - Sébastien Massart
- Integrated and Urban Plant Pathology Laboratory, Gembloux Agro BioTech, University of Liege, 25030 Gembloux, Belgium; (S.M.); (R.T.); (M.H.J.)
| | - Rachid Tahzima
- Integrated and Urban Plant Pathology Laboratory, Gembloux Agro BioTech, University of Liege, 25030 Gembloux, Belgium; (S.M.); (R.T.); (M.H.J.)
| | - Rachid Lahlali
- Phytopathology Unit, Department of Plant Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, 50001 Meknes, Morocco;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +212-55-30-02-39
| | - M. Haissam Jijakli
- Integrated and Urban Plant Pathology Laboratory, Gembloux Agro BioTech, University of Liege, 25030 Gembloux, Belgium; (S.M.); (R.T.); (M.H.J.)
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Arpaia S, Christiaens O, Giddings K, Jones H, Mezzetti B, Moronta-Barrios F, Perry JN, Sweet JB, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A. Biosafety of GM Crop Plants Expressing dsRNA: Data Requirements and EU Regulatory Considerations. Front Plant Sci 2020; 11:940. [PMID: 32670333 PMCID: PMC7327110 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The use of RNA interference (RNAi) enables the silencing of target genes in plants or plant-dwelling organisms, through the production of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) resulting in altered plant characteristics. Expression of properly synthesized dsRNAs in plants can lead to improved crop quality characteristics or exploit new mechanisms with activity against plant pests and pathogens. Genetically modified (GM) crops exhibiting resistance to viruses or insects via expression of dsRNA have received authorization for cultivation outside Europe. Some products derived from RNAi plants have received a favourable opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for import and processing in the European Union (EU). The authorization process in the EU requires applicants to produce a risk assessment considering food/feed and environmental safety aspects of living organisms or their derived food and feed products. The present paper discusses the main aspects of the safety assessment (comparative assessment, molecular characterization, toxicological assessment, nutritional assessment, gene transfer, interaction with target and non-target organisms) for GM plants expressing dsRNA, according to the guidelines of EFSA. Food/feed safety assessment of products from RNAi plants is expected to be simplified, in the light of the consideration that no novel proteins are produced. Therefore, some of the data requirements for risk assessment do not apply to these cases, and the comparative compositional analysis becomes the main source of evidence for food/feed safety of RNAi plants. During environmental risk assessment, the analysis of dsRNA expression levels of the GM trait, and the data concerning the observable effects on non-target organisms (NTO) will provide the necessary evidence for ensuring safety of species exposed to RNAi plants. Bioinformatics may provide support to risk assessment by selecting target gene sequences with low similarity to the genome of NTOs possibly exposed to dsRNA. The analysis of these topics in risk assessment indicates that the science-based regulatory process in Europe is considered to be applicable to GM RNAi plants, therefore the evaluation of their safety can be effectively conducted without further modifications. Outcomes from the present paper offer suggestions for consideration in future updates of the EFSA Guidance documents on risk assessment of GM organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Arpaia
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kara Giddings
- Bayer, Crop Science R&D Regulatory Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
| | - Huw Jones
- Translational Genomics for Plant Breeding, Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Clauvis N. T. Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Braunschweig, Germany
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Taning CN, Arpaia S, Christiaens O, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Jones H, Mezzetti B, Sabbadini S, Sorteberg HG, Sweet J, Ventura V, Smagghe G. RNA-based biocontrol compounds: current status and perspectives to reach the market. Pest Manag Sci 2020. [PMID: 31743573 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-020-01238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Facing current climate challenges and drastically reduced chemical options for plant protection, the exploitation of RNA interference (RNAi) as an agricultural biotechnology tool has unveiled possible new solutions to the global problems of agricultural losses caused by pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses. While the use of RNAi as a tool in agriculture is still limited to a few transgenic crops, and only adopted in restricted parts of the world, scientists and industry are already seeking innovations in leveraging and exploiting the potential of RNAi in the form of RNA-based biocontrol compounds for external applications. Here, we highlight the expanding research and development pipeline, commercial landscape and regulatory environment surrounding the pursuit of RNA-based biocontrol compounds with improved environmental profiles. The commitments of well-established agrochemical companies to invest in research endeavours and the role of start-up companies are crucial for the successful development of practical applications for these compounds. Additionally, the availability of standardized guidelines to tackle regulatory ambiguities surrounding RNA-based biocontrol compounds will help to facilitate the entire commercialization process. Finally, communication to create awareness and public acceptance will be key to the deployment of these compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clauvis Nt Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), DTE-BBC, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Huw Jones
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Vera Ventura
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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