Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), DTE-BBC, Rotondella, Italy.
Pest Manag Sci. 2020 Mar;76(3):841-845. doi: 10.1002/ps.5686. Epub 2019 Dec 17.
Facing current climate challenges and drastically reduced chemical options for plant protection, the exploitation of RNA interference (RNAi) as an agricultural biotechnology tool has unveiled possible new solutions to the global problems of agricultural losses caused by pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses. While the use of RNAi as a tool in agriculture is still limited to a few transgenic crops, and only adopted in restricted parts of the world, scientists and industry are already seeking innovations in leveraging and exploiting the potential of RNAi in the form of RNA-based biocontrol compounds for external applications. Here, we highlight the expanding research and development pipeline, commercial landscape and regulatory environment surrounding the pursuit of RNA-based biocontrol compounds with improved environmental profiles. The commitments of well-established agrochemical companies to invest in research endeavours and the role of start-up companies are crucial for the successful development of practical applications for these compounds. Additionally, the availability of standardized guidelines to tackle regulatory ambiguities surrounding RNA-based biocontrol compounds will help to facilitate the entire commercialization process. Finally, communication to create awareness and public acceptance will be key to the deployment of these compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
面对当前的气候挑战和可用于植物保护的化学物质选择急剧减少的局面，将 RNA 干扰 (RNAi) 作为农业生物技术工具的应用为解决因害虫和其他生物及非生物胁迫造成的农业损失这一全球性问题提供了可能的新途径。尽管 RNAi 作为一种农业工具的应用仍仅限于少数几种转基因作物，并且仅在世界的一些特定地区采用，但科学家和行业已经在寻求创新，以 RNA 为基础的生物防治化合物的形式利用和开发 RNAi 的潜力，用于外部应用。在这里，我们重点介绍了 RNA 为基础的生物防治化合物的研发管道、商业格局和监管环境的不断扩大，这些化合物具有改善的环境特征。知名农化公司承诺投资研发工作，以及初创公司的作用，对于这些化合物的实际应用的成功开发至关重要。此外，提供标准化的指导方针来解决 RNA 为基础的生物防治化合物的监管模糊性将有助于促进整个商业化进程。最后，为了部署这些化合物，开展宣传和提高公众认识的沟通将是关键。 © 2019 英国化学工业协会。
