engleski

Encapsulation method as a promising tool for RNAi- based products in plant protection

In the last few decades, crop protectors have been investigating new ways to combat insect pests as an alternative to the broad spectrum of agrochemicals (pesticides, insecticides) that are still used these days. One of the most promising strategies that could have an enormous economic impact is the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology. One of the most challenging tasks is the way how to apply RNA interference (RNAi) in the process of plant protection. The biological mechanism is based on the introduction of dsRNA (specific to an essential target gene) into the cells of the target species where it is then taken up into the RNAi machinery and eventually leads to the degradation of the target gene's messenger RNA (mRNA), effectively knocking down its expression. The environmental fate of the active components (biomolecules), double- stranded RNA (dsRNA) is thought to be shortlived since dsRNAs are shown to be degraded in soil in a matter of days. Encapsulation is one of the most promising methods for biomolecules protection. This method has got a technologie of 3 in 1 effect: protection of encapsulated biomolecules, time- release mechanism, and protection of selected plant cultures. Encapsulation of dsRNA into sodium alginate/chitosan microcapsules improves their environmental fate and long-lasting activity through time releasing mechanism during the application in the soil or foliar by spraying the plant cultures with novel agroformulation. Novel agroformulation with differently sized microcapsules (0.4 μm to 4 mm) loaded with dsRNAs could be applied in the soil, hydroponics or folliari. Additionally, preparation of microcapsules with a positively charged surface facilitates their foliar application (easier attaching to the leaves).

Encapsulation, plant protection RNA interference, plant-mediated RNAi

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