Transformational crop protection - Innovative RNAi biopesticides for management of sugarcane root feeding pests
Current crop protection strategies rely on plant genetic resistance and pesticides sprays. Toxicity both in terms of human health and the environment, lack of specificity, and the development of resistance, persistence of residues and runoff into our precious waterways are major issues with the use of chemical pesticides.
Transformative RNA based biopesticides or ‘RNA vaccines’ for plants as sustainable biological crop protection platform without the need for genetic modification is gaining momentum across the globe. This involves topical application of pest specific double stranded RNA (dsRNA) as the key trigger molecule of RNA interference. On its own RNA is inherently unstable, and therefore requires optimisation to improve its persistence and performance for industry relevant applications.
The University of Queensland has developed a transformational platform of using clay particles as carriers of pest/pathogen targeting RNA which provides stability, rain-fastness, and slow and sustained release of the biological active or dsRNA to afford an extended window of protection.
Greyback canegrub is a major pest throughout Australian sugarcane growing regions and a significant constraint for about 50% of growers. Existing control measures for cane grubs are limited to imidacloprid use and there is no insecticide registered for soldier fly.
This project aims to deliver proof-of concept for delivering RNA biopesticides as an innovative non-GM, non-toxic, ecologically safe topical application for the control of canegrubs as serious pests of sugarcane. It will involve identification of the best target genes for RNAi based biopesticides for both cane grubs and soldier fly and testing the RNAi based biopesticides in feeding assays/glasshouse against canegrubs.
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