Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The growing challenge of pesticide resistance and the need for environmentally sustainable crop protection have accelerated the development of eco-friendly alternatives. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a promising non-GMO strategy that uses topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to induce RNA interference (RNAi) in pests and pathogens. However, the practical use of SIGS is hindered by the instability and low cellular uptake of naked dsRNA in field conditions.
In this study, we investigate virus-like particles (VLPs) as nanocarriers to enhance the stability and delivery of dsRNA in SIGS applications. VLPs are non-infectious, biodegradable protein nanoparticles that mimic the structure of viral capsids but lack genetic material. We engineered a VLP system in Escherichia coli, purified the particles, and successfully encapsulated dsRNA targeting Phytophthora infestans, the oomycete responsible for potato late blight—a major global threat to potato production.
Foliar application of VLP-loaded dsRNA significantly improved disease suppression compared to naked dsRNA, achieving near-complete protection. These results demonstrate that VLPs offer an efficient and scalable platform for enhancing SIGS efficacy, supporting their potential as a sustainable tool for managing diverse crop pathogens.