Method for producing large amounts of dsRNA for use as a pesticide - Banco de Patentes

CSIC and the UPV have developed a new method that allows producing large amounts of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) in E. coli that can be used for gene silencing against pests and pathogens. The ingestion of dsRNAs by nematodes, insects and other arthropods induces the silencing of homologous genes, causing their death or affecting their development, mobility or feeding behavior and reducing in any case the damage they cause. Its use has also been demonstrated against viruses and fungi. In this way, RNA, a natural compound that is harmless to the environment, has become a promising agent against pests and pathogens.