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Biotechnological firms, led by US-based Monsanto and Switzerland-based Syngenta, have come up with a new crop technology called ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) that will help control insects and pests in a range of crops by disabling their genes.
The technology, which zeroes in on a genetic sequence unique to a species, will also help protect bees, which are pollinators for one-third of crops in the world.
RNA, considered a sort of messenger in cells, is a genetic code in every living being for a specific function within a cell for survival.
RNAi, a discovery that got Nobel prize for Andrew Fire and Craig Mello in 2006, works by interfering with the genetic code or message that RNA carries to protein factories within a cell. A plant cannot produce a particular protein if does not receive any instruction from the RNA code.
For example, the interference process can be used to disable an enzyme in a cell.
In soyabean, the technology can be used to specifically target proteins which control plant pigmentation or oil composition.
A process found in 1990s, RNAi is now increasingly being used in plants. It is a process which scientists claim can kill pests without harming the beneficial ones.
RNAi is different from the GM technology, in which a gene is injected to kill the pest.
In the case of RNAi, the technology is specifically targeted to disable the working of a particular cell’s functioning. Currently, RNAi is being tested in the form of a spray combination on plants.
Monsanto has come up with its own version of RNAi, called BioDirect which is awaiting clearance from US Food and Drug Administration for commercial use. The company says its product is likely to hit the market within a year.
BioDirect is a combination of herbicides and RNA that is sprayed on a plant. The spray binds with RNA in the plant and carries out the specified function.
A Monsanto spokesman said that the company has come up with its BioDirect version to tackle the Colarado beetle in potato and the rootworm in corn. Similarly, Syngenta, according to its spokesperson, has also developed RNAi solution to control the Colarado beetle and rootworm.
“Our innovation centre at Ghent, Belgium, is an international centre of excellence in RNAi and is collaborating projects across our R&D network,” said Syngenta’s spokesperson.
DuPont Pioneer has also developed RNAi technology for potato and corn but further details were not available.
The rootworm is one of the most devastating species in North America. At least 30 million acres of the 80 million in the US are reported to be infested with rootworm.
The Colarado beetle is a serious pest in potato and has developed resistance to many insecticides and pesticides.
In the case of honeybee, the RNAi is used to kill the mite that is responsible for mass destruction of honey bees.
RNAi, if accepted, can usher in a sea change in crop genetics.
According to renowned agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, the technology is a welcome initiative.
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