RNA interference (RNAi) is a ubiquitous, natural mechanism of gene regulation in eukaryotic organisms. In the biological process of RNAi, precursor microRNAs or double stranded duplex RNAs are processed to produce small interfering RNA (siRNA). siRNAs function to guide a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNA-induced silencing complex; RISC) to homologous sequences in messenger RNA (mRNA) resulting in mRNA degradation. Depletion of targeted mRNA results in suppression of the encoded protein and a loss of function phenotype. RNA produced at industrial scale represents a new form of biopesticide for arthropod or fungal plant disease control. RNA has a favorable regulatory profile due to its sequence specificity and low persistence in the environment. RNAi can be engineered through nucleotide sequence design to target only pests of economic concern while avoiding non-target organisms such as predatory insects and pollinators. While RNA may be a slower acting insecticide compared to synthetic chemistry, the first products coming to market are highly efficacious and have low environmental impact. Greenlight Biosciences made groundbreaking progress in the field of RNA by inventing a low cost, cell-free process for large scale production of dsRNA. GreenLight Biosciences pipeline of RNA-based products represent alternatives to synthetic chemistry that will contribute to sustainable agriculture. The first product from Greenlight Biosciences, CalanthaTM (currently under review with EPA) targets Leptinotarsa decemlineata, the Colorado potato beetle. The active ingredient in CalanthaTM, known as ledprona, recently received a new IRAC classification as the first RNA-mediated target suppressor. A second active ingredient, vadescana, is in development to target the Varroa mite of bees, enabling a first-in-class RNA product for bee health. Active RNA molecules for fungal pathogens are the next targets in the plant health development pipeline. This presentation will highlight Greenlight Biosciences capabilities for the development of CalanthaTM as a case study for sprayable RNA-based biopesticides.

Delivering the promise of RNA for plant health: Sustainable control of agricultural pests and pathogens

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.