RNA-based agricultural applications present significant opportunities for sustainable, climate-resilient solutions in crop and animal health, biosecurity, and productivity. The Asia–Pacific crop protection market is projected to reach USD $31.2 billion by 2030, with Australia contributing USD $1.81 billion. Current reliance on conventional chemical pesticides is associated with multiple challenges, including off-target environmental impacts (e.g., contamination of waterways), risks to food safety, soil degradation, non-target toxicity, resistance evolution, and adverse effects on pollinators and other beneficial organisms.
RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides, particularly topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), represent a novel modality to address these issues. dsRNA molecules can be designed to induce highly specific gene silencing in target pests and pathogens without modifying the host genome. Advantages include their sequence specificity, minimal impacts on non-target taxa, environmental degradability, and low probability of adverse effects on humans.
The efficacy of RNAi-based crop protection depends on multiple parameters across the design–delivery continuum. Sequence selection must balance sufficient coverage of allelic diversity within the target population against minimising off-target complementarity in non-target and beneficial organisms. Uptake and systemic movement of dsRNA vary according to both the host plant and target organism, influencing dose requirements and persistence. Processing of dsRNA into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) by the plant or pest is a further determinant of silencing efficiency. Delivery systems, such as Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) clay nanoparticles (BioClay™), have demonstrated extended stability and protection against viruses, insect pests, and fungal pathogens under laboratory and field conditions.
Successful deployment of RNAi-based crop protection will require integration of molecular design platforms, optimised delivery technologies, and robust efficacy data under diverse environmental conditions. Equally critical is the development of consistent, science-based regulatory frameworks that account for the unique properties of dsRNA-based products. Harmonisation of regulatory requirements across jurisdictions would facilitate global adoption. In parallel, transparent stakeholder engagement is essential to address public perceptions and ensure societal acceptance.