Developing RNAi pesticides in the post genomic era: A review

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising platform for next-generation pesticides, offering high target specificity and environmental safety. In the post-genomic era, rapid advances in insect genomics, delivery systems, and bioinformatics have significantly accelerated the development of RN...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced Agrochem
Main Authors: Duanmu, Haonan, Guo, Fangyuan, Liu, Ying, He, Kang
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2025
Subjects:
Challenges
Pesticides
RNA interference
Challenges
RNA interference
Pesticides
ISSN:2773-2371, 2773-2371
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising platform for next-generation pesticides, offering high target specificity and environmental safety. In the post-genomic era, rapid advances in insect genomics, delivery systems, and bioinformatics have significantly accelerated the development of RNAi-based pest control strategies. This review summarizes current progress in RNAi mechanism elucidation, target gene selection, and delivery approaches including host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Key challenges—such as interspecies variability in RNAi efficiency, dsRNA degradation, and off-target effects—are discussed in detail. Machine learning (ML) and genome-wide screening play a critical role in optimizing siRNA design and reducing ecological risks. Commercial products such as Ledprona and MON87411 maize exemplify the practical potential of RNAi-based pesticides. Future success will depend on integrating comparative genomics, ML-based off-target prediction, and ecological risk assessment frameworks to ensure safety and sustainability in applications.
ISSN:2773-2371
2773-2371
DOI:10.1016/j.aac.2025.07.002