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RNA Interference Past and Future Applications in Plants

Sarah Koeppe¹, Lawrence Kawchuk², Melanie Kalischuk¹

¹Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

|June 10, 2023

Summary

Antisense RNA triggers plant disease resistance and gene silencing. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) offers a specific, eco-friendly approach for crop protection.

Area of Science:

Plant molecular biology
RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms
Crop protection strategies

Background:

Antisense RNA can induce plant disease resistance and post-translational gene silencing (PTGS).
RNA interference (RNAi) is a universal gene silencing mechanism, often initiated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) intermediates during viral replication.
Plant viruses have been key to understanding systemic RNA silencing and suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of RNA interference in plant defense mechanisms.
To highlight the potential of exogenous dsRNA application for crop improvement.
To introduce spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) as a novel crop protection method.

Main Methods:

Investigated the induction of plant disease resistance by antisense RNA.
Characterized the role of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in RNA interference (RNAi).
Evaluated the efficacy of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) for crop applications.

Main Results:

Antisense RNA was confirmed to elicit plant disease resistance and post-translational gene silencing (PTGS).
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was identified as the inducer of the universal RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism.
Emerging applications of RNA silencing, particularly SIGS, demonstrate specificity and environmental benefits.

Conclusions:

RNA interference pathways are crucial for plant defense and can be manipulated for crop improvement.
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) represents a promising, targeted, and eco-friendly strategy for modern agriculture.
Further development of SIGS can enhance crop protection against diseases and pests.

Keywords:

HIGS RNAi SIGS VIGS immunity

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