Horizon Europe SiNanoCrop project: Bio-based polyelectrolyte nanoformulations for foliar delivery of multi-targeted dsRNA: an approach towards new biocontrol agents for crop protection

The impact of plant pests on crop yields worldwide is a major concern, leading to an annual decline of more than 30% in agricultural production. Whitefly alone incurs losses exceeding $300 million each year, primarily due to its role in the transmission of plant-damaging viruses, such as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), which poses a substantial threat to tomato crops worldwide.

The use of conventional pesticides generates environmental alarms, negatively affects beneficial insects, and contributes to pest resistance. Initiatives such as the European Green Deal aim to promote sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which leverages the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi), has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional pesticides. This non-GMO approach offers a sustainable, pathogen-specific protection method by silencing key genes in target pests through foliar application of dsRNA molecules. However, certain challenges remain unsolved, including the cost-effective production of dsRNA, the ability to control multiple species simultaneously, and the stability and transport of dsRNA in crop environments.

This project seeks to overcome these challenges by implementing innovative, safe, and cost-effective approaches. First, we will synthesize regions containing whitefly and TYLCV dsRNAs using microbial fermentation and apply a simple purification method to achieve high-efficiency hybrid dsRNA isolation. Second, we will design novel biomass-based formulations using nanopolyplexes as carriers to efficiently protect and deliver 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 transition from the laboratory to the field.