RNAi-based system a new tool for insects’ control

Abstract

One of the molecular devices practised recently has been the fusion of RNA interference (RNAi) into some agricultural products. It is a definite genetic controlling system recognized in eukaryotes. Through this system, certain exogenous pathogens are neutralized by deactivating the expression of target genes. The decisive factor for the progress of this gene defence machinery is the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The effectiveness and specificity of the RNAi tool in gene silencing have been approved with great precision in small-scale guide tests. The development of this molecular tool as bioinsecticides has started to attract the biotechnology industries. Once the safety and certainty actions respecting the regulatory framework are established by researchers and biotechnology industries for crop protection, for example, sustainability and particularity of defence, develop new resistant cultivars against plant pests, and removal of all unexpected effects on the environment, genetically modified crops incorporating dsRNA can be marketed. The current chapter discusses the RNAi tool and its role in protecting crops from insect pest attacks, dsRNA transfer methods in plant cells, and critical points affecting the achievement of the molecular tool. Finally, some environmental risks identified in the small-scale guide tests are discussed.