Traditional pesticides can harm beneficial insects and other non-target species. RNA-based biopesticides offer a safer alternative by targeting only specific pests. They work by blocking essential genes found only in the target pest, making them harmless to other plants, animals, and people. However, RNA breaks down quickly, making it difficult and expensive to deliver effectively in the field.
This VIVE Crop Protection Genomics Project will develop a new Pesticidal RNA Encapsulation System (PRES) to protect RNA until it reaches the target pest. The system places RNA inside heat-inactivated bacterial cells, where it is also enclosed within protective protein structures. This two-layer design helps shield the RNA from degradation while providing an efficient way to deliver it to pests.
The manufacturing process is designed to be simple and cost-effective. Large quantities of the bacteria can be produced in a single fermentation process without complex purification or processing steps, helping keep production costs low for agricultural use.
The VIVE Crop Protection Genomics Project is also designed to work with the company’s existing Allosperse® products, allowing new hybrid products to be introduced first before eventually transitioning to fully RNA-based biopesticide products. This phased approach is intended to build customer confidence and support adoption of the new technology.
