As global agriculture faces worsening pest and disease threats, rising chemical pesticide resistance, and urgent ecological protection needs, a technological revolution is unfolding worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi) technology, a Nobel Prize-winning biological breakthrough, is moving from laboratories to farmlands. With its precision, efficiency, and environmental friendliness, it injects robust momentum into sustainable agriculture. In 2025, from groundbreaking achievements by national research institutions to commercial advancements by biotech firms, RNAi’s agricultural applications are flourishing and accelerating, marking the dawn of a new era in green plant protection.
Global Innovation: From Lab to Field
2025 developments show RNAi’s agricultural application advancing rapidly globally along the full chain from mechanism analysis to commercial validation.
In crop disease control, Chinese research teams and overseas enterprises are progressing on distinct paths. A team from the Tobacco Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences uncovered how the PUF family protein Puf4 regulates oomycete growth and pathogenicity, developing a targeted RNAi prevention technology. Researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University used dsRNA enhanced by layered double hydroxides to achieve long-lasting protection against rice blast and sheath blight, verifying industrial production compatibility.
U.S.-based GreenLight Biosciences submitted registration dossiers to U.S., EU, and Brazilian regulators for its novel RNA fungicide targeting grape powdery mildew. Compatible with existing farming equipment and operations, the product can be used throughout the crop growth cycle for flexible disease management.
In pest and nematode control, RNAi solutions are transitioning to field validation. Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) developed a dsRNA-based method for the light brown apple moth, aiming to replace costly pheromones and chemical insecticides. Preliminary lab tests showed 50-80% larval mortality, with field scaling planned next. U.S.-based Innatrix’s soybean cyst nematode solution InnaNema demonstrated significant nematode reduction in greenhouse trials. The company plans further field tests and aims to submit a 2026 registration application following EPA approval.
Bee Protection: RNAi’s Vital Role
RNAi provides a biotechnological safeguard for honeybees, critical pollinators. INTA used RNAi to target acute bee paralysis virus, reducing colony mortality—particularly important during stress periods like queen rearing or exports. For Argentina, a major honey exporter with 2.5 million bee colonies, this technology enhances industry competitiveness while preserving pollination services.
GreenLight Biosciences achieved a milestone with Norroa, the world’s first RNA-based varroa mite control product. EPA-approved, it suppresses mite populations for 18 weeks without harming bees.
Weed Control: RNAi’s New Frontier
GreenLight Biosciences is expanding its RNAi platform to weed management, targeting hard-to-control horseweed in no-till agriculture. The non-GMO precision solution, designed to work with existing herbicides, aims to reduce glyphosate use and slow resistance. The company is preparing registration documents for global market launch.
Overcoming Core Bottlenecks
RNAi’s large-scale application has long been limited by high dsRNA production costs and inefficient delivery. In 2025, industry players are addressing these challenges through innovation and collaboration.
Slovenia’s Acies Bio developed a low-cost microbial fermentation platform for dsRNA production, supporting both small-scale screening and large-scale commercialization. Canada’s Renaissance BioScience’s yeast platform enables affordable, efficient RNA production and delivery, with patents in China, Australia, and Mexico.
In fermentation efficiency, Momentive validated its antifoaming agents for dsRNA production, ensuring optimal yield and reducing operational costs. Innatrix partnered with RNAway to enhance RNA stability and plant delivery in its products.
Capital investment is growing steadily. Flagship Pioneering invested $50 million in Terrana Biosciences for non-GMO RNA solutions. INTA focuses on technology validation and licensing, while Guangxi Tianyuan and Zhengzhou University collaborate on RNA pesticide R&D, accelerating industrial chain integration.
Future Hurdles and Tech Synergy
Widespread RNAi adoption requires global regulatory coordination. Regulators need scientific, efficient risk assessment frameworks to ensure safety without delays. Long-term environmental monitoring and public education are also essential to build trust. While resistance risks are lower than with traditional pesticides, multi-target design and rotation strategies will be proactive safeguards.
RNAi’s future will involve deep integration with emerging technologies. Companies like Terrana and GreenLight use AI to accelerate product development. Advances in synthetic biology and materials science will improve delivery systems. RNAi will become a cornerstone of integrated pest management, working with pheromones, natural enemies, and disease-resistant varieties to build sustainable agricultural systems.
