The Problem: Plant Viruses
Plant viruses cause over $30 billion in crop losses every year.
They can’t be treated with regular pesticides or fungicides.
Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) affects over 1,200 plant species, including key crops.
In India, CMV reduces banana yields by 25–30% and affects up to 70% of cucumbers and melons.
Spread by insects like aphids, CMV is hard to control.
Current Solutions: RNA-Based Defense
Plants naturally defend against viruses using RNA silencing.
This involves cutting viral RNA into small pieces (small interfering RNAs -siRNAs) that stop the virus.
Two main RNA-based methods:
host-induced gene silencing (HIGS): Genetically modifies plants to make virus-fighting RNA internally.
spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS): Applies RNA sprays on plants — non-GMO and eco-friendly.
SIGS is cheaper and easier, but current sprays are not always effective.
The Breakthrough: Effective dsRNA
Researchers designed double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that produces only the most powerful siRNAs.
This targeted RNA gives stronger protection by focusing on weak spots in the virus.
In lab tests, treated plants had up to 80% less virus, sometimes full protection.
Works against multiple CMV strains and could be adapted for other viruses.
What’s Next: Challenges and Potential
Field-ready spray versions are being developed for real farming use.
RNA treatments may also work against fungi, bacteria, and pests.
Challenges include:
RNA degrades outdoors (sun, rain, soil microbes).
Need for stable, low-cost delivery systems (like nanoparticles).
Regulatory approvals take time; only one RNA product approved globally so far.
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