Biogenesis, action, function of plant small RNAs and their potential application in agriculture

Plant small RNAs (sRNAs) are essential regulators of gene expression and genome stability in plants. Based on their biogenesis and mechanisms of action, they are primarily classified into two major categories: microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These sRNAs rely on distinct processing proteins for their production and effector proteins to execute their functions, playing pivotal roles in diverse developmental processes and environmental responses. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing have identified numerous novel sRNAs across multiple plant species, while studies in Arabidopsis thaliana and various crops have significantly enhanced our understanding of their biogenesis, regulatory networks, and biological functions. In this review, we systematically summarize the research progress on different classes of plant sRNAs, focusing on their biosynthetic pathways, molecular mechanisms, and biological function. Furthermore, we discuss the potential applications of plant sRNAs in agriculture, including their prospects as next-generation RNA pesticides, supported by current technological developments. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for further research on plant sRNAs and their agricultural applications.