Genetic Sprays Use RNA Interference to Combat Pests

摘要

"The single biggest problem with conventional insecticides is their effects on non-target organisms. Using RNA interference (RNAi) to kill pests through sprays of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has the potential to be species-specific. This individual targeting can be achieved because genes vary enough between different species that specific dsRNA could only affect the desired pest. "However, targeting single species is not guaranteed. For example, in a recent paper we showed that a spray of dsRNA from a house fly could kill Colorado potato beetles. "In some cases, conventional insecticides are used because they kill multiple insect pests. Thus, an insecticide that targets only one species has lots of benefits, but might not be cost-effective. "Then there is the issue that insects always find a way to evolve resistance, and harnessing RNAi will be no different. The relative speed with which resistance will happen is a wide-open question.