Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technology to control forest insect pests and fungal pathogens: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Climate change alters the seasonal synchronization between plants and respective pests plus pathogens. The geographical infiltration helps to shift their hosts, resulting in novel outbreaks that damage forests and ecology. Traditional management schemes are unable to control such outbreaks, therefore unconventional and competitive governance is needed to manage forest pests and pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment method can be implemented to protect forest trees. Exogenous dsRNA triggers the RNAi-mediated gene silencing of a vital gene, and suspends protein production, resulting in the death of targeted pathogens and pests. The dsRNA treatment method is successful for many crop insects and fungi, however, studies of dsRNA against forest pests and pathogens are depleting. Pesticides and fungicides based on dsRNA could be used to combat pathogens that caused outbreaks in different parts of the world. Although the dsRNA has proved its potential, the crucial dilemma and risks including species-specific gene selection, and dsRNA delivery methods cannot be overlooked. Here, we summarized the major fungi pathogens and insect pests that have caused outbreaks, their genomic information, and studies on dsRNA fungi-and pesticides. Current challenges and opportunities in dsRNA target decision, delivery using nanoparticles, direct applications, and a new method using mycorrhiza for forest tree protection are discussed. The importance of affordable next-generation sequencing to minimize the impact on non-target species is discussed. We suggest that collaborative research among forest genomics and pathology institutes could develop necessary dsRNA strategies to protect forest tree species.

Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host–Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control Strategies: The Key Role of RNA Interference

“…Therefore, trans-kingdom RNA silencing in plant-fungal pathogen interactions has provided the general framework within which to develop a new category of RNA-based fungicides [ 376 ]. This perspective, in fact, has aroused great interest from scholars, as demonstrated by the numerous reviews published on this topic in recent years [ 364 , 433 , 467 , 468 , 470 , 514 , 515 , 516 , 517 , 518 ].…”

“…In recent years, the use of topical application of dsRNA has been investigated for its applications in plant protection. In particular, the dsRNA spraying technique has proven to be a valid delivery method as demonstrated in many studies concerning RNAi-based crop protection strategies [ 6 , 9 , 12 , 440 , 450 , 463 , 464 , 465 , 466 , 467 , 468 , 469 , 470 ].…”

“…Moreover, it is very intriguing to point out that an innovative strategy for dsRNA delivery could be the use of mycorrhizae, especially in a forest environment (reviewed in [ 470 ]). Obviously, if these scenarios of unconventional solutions for dsRNA delivery are developed in the coming years, more and more attention will have to be paid to testing for unwanted silencing effects.…”

Dissecting Diagnostic and Management Strategies for Plant Viral Diseases: What Next?

“…Cellular RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) may enhance the RNAi effect through the transitive creation of secondary siRNAs by amplifying the antisense strand of the mRNA target. The gene silencing response is triggered by exposure to foreign genetic material, often dsRNA [152]. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are short RNAs (sRNAs) spontaneously produced from specific genome-encoded precursors, mediate host immune systems [153], pathogen pathogenicity [154], and host-pathogen communication [155], in addition to defending organisms against foreign nucleic acids.…”

“…As a result, the pest population is reduced when the predator feeds on them. This technique specifically targets pests without harming non-target organisms and eliminates the need for broad-spectrum insecticides, which can be environmentally harmful [152]. Using dsRNA as a pest management tool has the potential to offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods.…”