Abstract

GAMERO, Maira; TOLOZA-MORENO, Deisy; BELAICH, Mariano  and  BARRERA, Gloria. RNA interference (RNAi): an effective tool in agrobiotechnology. Rev. colomb. biotecnol [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.2, pp.59-67.  Epub Mar 07, 2023. ISSN 0123-3475.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rev.colomb.biote.v24n2.99397.

RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism in most eukaryotic cells that allows genes to be silenced by degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA) and suppression of protein synthesis. In plants, RNAi molecules are involved in defense mechanisms against pathogens and transposons, in the adaptive response to stress, and in the expression of genes related to their growth. RNAi is an effective biotechnological tool to silence the expression of specific genes which are essential for the survival of phytopathogenic microorganisms, thus allowing the design of environmentally safe biopesticides with affinity and selectivity, in many cases greater than chemical pesticides. This review describes the latest advances in the application of RNAi in the agricultural context and its effectiveness in the biological control of phytopathogens and pest insects. Likewise, various experimental trials are presented, the results of which may be the basis for future bioproducts, as well as some examples available on the market. Finally, biosafety aspects and regulatory considerations necessary for the acceptance and use of this technology at a global level are presented.

Keywords : RNAi; applications; biological control; phytopathogens; insects; genes; pests.

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