RNA interference (RNAi) mediated technique for combating plant diseases: Harnessing nanoparticles for effective delivery and enhanced efficacy

Crop production is severely affected by insects and plant pathogens causing one-third of the total produced food losses. Conventional agricultural practices rely heavily on the use of toxic pesticides for crop protection leading to adverse environmental and health effects. There is a growing imperative to transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods for global food security and agricultural sustainability. RNA interference (RNAi) that implies transient silencing of pathogen or insect lethal genes provides a more targeted and environmentally friendly alternative for crop protection. In the present review, we discuss different strategies that employ RNAi in crop protection. Further, we discuss the factors that affect the efficacy of RNAi-mediated approaches for crop protection. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the importance of nanoparticle-mediated delivery methods that have enhanced the efficacy of RNAi-based pest/pathogen management strategies. We also discuss various nanoparticle-mediated delivery materials that have been innovated over the years and their superior ability to deliver double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) compared to conventional methods. Finally, as a future perspective, we discuss optimizing nanoparticle-mediated nanocarriers formulations based on their cost effectiveness and risk to the environment and human health.