RNA interference-based pesticides: Mechanism, application, and commercialization in sustainable pest management

Conventional chemical pesticides remain critical for protecting crops from arthropod pests, but their overuse drives ecological harm, including environmental contamination, ecosystem disruption, food residue persistence, and widespread pest resistance. To address these challenges, RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a transformative tool for sustainable pest management. At its core, RNAi leverages double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to induce sequence-specific gene silencing, enabling precise targeting of essential genes in insects. This molecular specificity confers key advantages: high efficacy, minimal off-target effects, and compatibility with integrated pest management systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on: (1) the molecular mechanisms of dsRNA-mediated RNAi in insects; (2) diverse applications in managing agricultural pests across various taxonomic groups; (3) innovative delivery methods tailored for field implementation; and (4) recent milestones in commercialization of RNAi-based pesticides. Additionally, it explores the multifaceted challenges associated with the RNAi-based pesticides. By bridging basic insect physiology with applied pest management, this review aims to advance the development of RNAi-based tools that enhance crop protection while supporting sustainable agriculture.