The seminar addressed the application of Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) technology as a promising new generation of sustainable biological solutions for crop protection. This technology relies on the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism, through the spraying of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to suppress the expression of specific genes essential for the survival of a wide range of biotic agents (such as insects, fungi, and viruses), without harming the crop or disrupting environmental balance.
The seminar aimed to identify qualitative alternatives to chemical pesticides and to promote a shift toward “precision molecular protection” by employing nanoparticles as protective and delivery vehicles. These nanocarriers ensure the stability of dsRNA molecules and protect them from environmental degradation, thereby maintaining the full activity of the active substance until it reaches and is absorbed by the target pest, ensuring its safe delivery to pest cells.
The practical significance of this technology lies in its transition from laboratory research to field application. This progress was marked by the approval of the pesticide “Calantha” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the end of 2023, as the first global commercial product adopting this mechanism. This milestone opens new horizons for highly specialized crop protection strategies that ensure sustainable food security with high precision in accordance with international standards.
