Not all GMOs are crop plants: non-plant GMO applications in agriculture

Hokanson, Karen; Dawson, William O.; Handler, Alfred M.; Schetelig, Marc F.; Leger, Raymond J. St.

doi:10.1007/s11248-013-9769-5

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…A method for administering this yeast biopesticide in the field has already been presented, since yeast baited traps have previously been used in berry crops to lure D. suzukii 40 . Additionally, there is precedence for the agricultural use of genetically modified fungi, as the USDA has issued 26 permits for environmental release of genetically modified fungi since 1995 55 . A major limitation of the current design is that mortality is not induced in adults.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ingestion of genetically modified yeast symbiont reduces fitness of an insect pest via RNA interference

Murphy

Tabuloc

Cervantes

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

103

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RNA interference has had major advances as a developing tool for pest management. In laboratory experiments, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is often administered to the insect by genetic modification of the crop, or synthesized in vitro and topically applied to the crop. Here, we engineered genetically modified yeast that express dsRNA targeting y-Tubulin in Drosophila suzukii. Our design takes advantage of the symbiotic interactions between Drosophila, yeast, and fruit crops. Yeast is naturally found growing on the surface of fruit crops, constitutes a major component of the Drosophila microbiome, and is highly attractive to Drosophila. Thus, this naturally attractive yeast biopesticide can deliver dsRNA to an insect pest without the need for genetic crop modification. We demonstrate that this biopesticide decreases larval survivorship, and reduces locomotor activity and reproductive fitness in adults, which are indicative of general health decline. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that yeast can be used to deliver dsRNA to an insect pest.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ingestion of genetically modified yeast symbiont reduces fitness of an insect pest via RNA interference

Murphy

Tabuloc

Cervantes

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

103

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“…In addition to using live bacteria for dsRNA production, the use of live insect-parasitising fungi for production and delivery of insecticidal dsRNA is also a possibility. Since 1995, there have been 26 licences approved for the use of genetically modified fungi as crop protection agents in the USA ( Hokanson et al, 2014 ). This generates an appealing avenue for RNA based crop protection strategies as approval remains a significant hurdle to overcome.…”

Section: Strategies For Production Of Dsrna For Crop Protectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Strategies for the production of dsRNA biocontrols as alternatives to chemical pesticides

Hough

Howard

Brown

et al. 2022

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

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Current crop pest control strategies rely on insecticidal and fungicidal sprays, plant genetic resistance, transgenes and agricultural practices. However, many insects, plant viruses, and fungi have no current means of control or have developed resistance against traditional pesticides. dsRNA is emerging as a novel sustainable method of plant protection as an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. The successful commercialisation of dsRNA based biocontrols for effective pest management strategies requires the economical production of large quantities of dsRNA combined with suitable delivery methods to ensure RNAi efficacy against the target pest. A number of methods exist for the production and delivery of dsRNA based biocontrols and here we review alternative methods currently employed and emerging new approaches for their production. Additionally, we highlight potential challenges that will need to be addressed prior to widespread adoption of dsRNA biocontrols as novel sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides.

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“…While biosafety research on herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant GM crops may have moved from fundamental questions about their properties to applied questions about effective risk assessment and regulation, we may need to return to basic research for crops developed from new technology. Furthermore, as Hokanson et al ( 2013 ) show, not all future products of agricultural biotechnology will be crops. Nevertheless, experience from first-generation GM crops teaches us that regulation ought to be designed to deliver clear policy objectives about real products.…”

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confidence: 99%