The world of agriculture is on the verge of a revolution. Credit to the project ViVe_Beet and its innovative RNA spray technology. This cutting-edge approach offers an ecological solution to the problem of pests resistant to chemical insecticides, and also aims to protect biodiversity and bee health.
Using an RNA-based biological method (RNAi), the project promises to significantly reduce losses in crops, such as sugar beets affected by green peach aphids (myzus persicae). If you want more information, you can find the research here.
The aphid challenge and the RNAi response
Green peach aphids, known for their resistance to chemical insecticides, are a serious problem in modern agriculture. Maurice Pierry of the Fraunhofer IME highlights that the damage it can reach 50% of the harvest. The RNAi technique, however, offers an effective solution that targets these parasites without negatively impacting the surrounding ecosystem.
The path to innovation began with the identification of specific genes in aphids, whose silencing via RNAi leads to moulting problems, reduction of offspring and increased mortality. After numerous tests, the researchers selected the crucial genes. Next, they developed a formula to protect the dsRNA from environmental elements until it is absorbed into the aphid gut.
Greenhouse trials and future developments: goodbye chemical insecticides?
The first greenhouse trials have shown promising results, with a mortality rate of 70% and a significant reduction in the aphid population. The next step will be to carry out field tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the RNA spray in real environmental conditions. This evidence is essential to fully understand the potential and impact of the technology.
RNA spray technology has the potential to dramatically reduce reliance on chemical insecticides, promoting more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. It can also be adapted to fight other parasites, viruses and fungi. Its selective impact and its ecological nature make it an ideal solution for the agriculture of the future.
