Advancing RNAi-based Strategies for Eco-friendly and Targeted Insect Pest Management in Sustainable Agriculture

The RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising approach for targeted and eco-friendly insect pest management in sustainable agriculture. The RNAi involves the silencing of specific genes through the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), leading to the degradation of complementary mRNA and subsequent reduction in the expression of targeted proteins. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of RNAi-based strategies for insect pest control. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying RNAi, delivery methods for dsRNA, and the design and selection of effective target genes. The application of RNAi in controlling various insect pests, including lepidopterans, coleopterans, and hemipterans is extensively reviewed. also highlight the potential challenges and limitations associated with RNAi-based pest management, such as off-target effects, variable efficacy across insect species, and the development of resistance. Strategies to overcome these challenges, including the use of nanoparticle-based delivery systems and the combination of RNAi with other pest control methods, are explored. Furthermore, discuss the environmental and ecological considerations surrounding the use of RNAi in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of assessing non-target effects and the need for appropriate risk assessment frameworks. The chapter concludes by outlining future research directions and the potential for RNAi to revolutionize insect pest management, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.