DsRNA-based Spray Formulations to Control Pest Infestations in Rice Plants: Mechanism, Constraints and Way Forward

• Published in: Gesunde Pflanzen Vol. 77; no. 3; p. 83
• Main Authors: Gupta, Vishal Kumar, Joseph M, Anto Simon, Tripathy, Satabdi, Sahu, Chandrasekhar, Panda, Anshuman, Gangwar, Surender Pal, Kaur, Ramandeep, Das, Pratyush Kumar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 01.06.2025
• Subjects: Cereal crops; Chemical pest control; Commercialization; Constraints; Crop production; Crops; Double-stranded RNA; Food security; Genetic modification; Genetically engineered microorganisms; Inorganic pesticides; Mode of action; Pest control; Pesticides; Pests; Plant protection; Product development; Rice; RNA-mediated interference; Toxicity; Vietnam; China; Japan; Indonesia; India
• ISSN: 0367-4223; 1439-0345
• DOI: 10.1007/s10343-025-01150-8

Pest infestations are a major concern in crops like rice, thus having a significant impact on global food security. Loss of crops and reduced productivity are some of the major effects of pest infestations in rice, thus affecting the economic situation of a nation. Conventional inorganic pesticides were widely used for protecting rice crops. Reckless use of these pesticides in the pursuit of achieving higher crop production rates has substantially degraded the environmental profile leading to widespread toxicity. RNA interference through dsRNA-based spray formulations has the potential to control pest infestations in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. The present manuscript advocates the use of exogenous spray-based dsRNA products and their commercialization. The spray-based formulations have several advantages over chemical pesticides as well as genetically modified crops. There are several constraints to the commercialization of these spray-based dsRNA products which need to be worked upon. The review focuses on the mode of action of dsRNA-based spray formulations, their advantages, commercial aspects, and constraints. Recent advancements in the field to overcome these constraints have been discussed. The review concludes by providing suggestions for collaboration between different organizations and the need for a proper regulatory framework for efficient product development and commercialization.