Summary
The impact of plant pests on global crop yields is a significant concern, leading to an annual decrease of more than 30% in crop production. The whitefly alone incurs losses exceeding $300 million each year, primarily due to its role in transmitting harmful plant viruses like the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl virus (TYLCV), which poses a substantial threat to tomato crops worldwide. The use of conventional pesticides raises environmental alarms, negatively affects beneficial insects, and contributes to pest resistance. Initiatives like the European Green Deal aim to promote sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical pesticide usage by 50% by 2030. Spray-induced genetic silencing (SIGS), harnessing the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism, has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional pesticides. This non-GMO approach offers a sustainable and pathogen-specific protection method by silencing key genes in target pests through the foliar application of dsRNA molecules. However, certain challenges remain unresolved, including the cost-effective production of dsRNA, the ability to control multiple species simultaneously, and dsRNA stability and transport in crop environments. This project seeks to overcome these challenges by implementing innovative, safe, and cost-effective approaches. Firstly, we will synthesize dsRNA containing regions from both whitefly and TYLCV through microbial fermentation and apply a simple purification method to achieve high-efficiency hybrid dsRNA isolation. Secondly, we will design new biomass-based formulations using nanopolyplexes as carriers to efficiently protect and deliver the dsRNA. Thus, we will develop advanced biocontrol strategies for dual protection against both the insect vector and its host virus in tomato. Through the integration of polymer science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology approaches, our efforts aim to advance dsRNA-based biopesticide technology and facilitate its lab-to-field transition.
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More information & hyperlinks
| Web resources: | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101154872 |
| Start date: | 01-09-2025 |
| End date: | 31-08-2027 |
| Total budget - Public funding: | - 165 312,00 Euro |
Cordis data
Original description
The impact of plant pests on global crop yields is a significant concern, leading to an annual decrease of more than 30% in crop production. The whitefly alone incurs losses exceeding $300 million each year, primarily due to its role in transmitting harmful plant viruses like the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl virus (TYLCV), which poses a substantial threat to tomato crops worldwide. The use of conventional pesticides raises environmental alarms, negatively affects beneficial insects, and contributes to pest resistance. Initiatives like the European Green Deal aim to promote sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical pesticide usage by 50% by 2030. Spray-induced genetic silencing (SIGS), harnessing the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism, has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional pesticides. This non-GMO approach offers a sustainable and pathogen-specific protection method by silencing key genes in target pests through the foliar application of dsRNA molecules. However, certain challenges remain unresolved, including the cost-effective production of dsRNA, the ability to control multiple species simultaneously, and dsRNA stability and transport in crop environments. This project seeks to overcome these challenges by implementing innovative, safe, and cost-effective approaches. Firstly, we will synthesize dsRNA containing regions from both whitefly and TYLCV through microbial fermentation and apply a simple purification method to achieve high-efficiency hybrid dsRNA isolation. Secondly, we will design new biomass-based formulations using nanopolyplexes as carriers to efficiently protect and deliver the dsRNA. Thus, we will develop advanced biocontrol strategies for dual protection against both the insect vector and its host virus in tomato. Through the integration of polymer science, nanotechnology, and biotechnology approaches, our efforts aim to advance dsRNA-based biopesticide technology and facilitate its lab-to-field transition.Status
SIGNEDCall topic
HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01-01Update Date
03-10-2024
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