• It stems from the Australian Research Council Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection hosted by The University of Queensland (UQ), led by Professor Neena Mitter, who continues as the Director of the Hub from Charles Sturt University
• The article was published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Plants 
• It emphasises the need for global regulatory cohesion to facilitate the development and commercialisation of innovative dsRNA-based biopesticides.

The promise of dsRNA-based biopesticides in crop protection is undeniable, offering targeted pest control with minimal environmental impact and without the need for genetic modification. However, the path from research to market remains hindered by fragmented regulatory frameworks across the globe.

A newly published article in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Plants, ‘The future of dsRNA-based biopesticides will require global regulatory cohesion’, highlights the urgent need for international regulatory cohesion to accelerate the adoption of this innovative technology and ensure sustainable agricultural solutions worldwide.

As concerns over the environmental and health risks of chemical pesticides for crop protection intensify, the demand for sustainable and safe alternatives has never been greater. For over two decades, the search for eco-friendly solutions has gained momentum, with producers and consumers alike pushing for innovations that ensure both food security and environmental protection.

The research stems from the work being done in the ARC Hub for  Sustainable Crop Protection at The University of Queensland which is led by Charles Sturt University Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Neena Mitter who continues to be the Hub Director.

As a champion and globally renowned leader of research on RNA for agriculture, Professor Mitter stated, "Our research underscores the importance of international regulatory harmonisation to unlock the full potential of dsRNA-based biopesticides”.

“By working together, we can create a sustainable and safe future for agriculture."

The article emphasises the future of dsRNA-based biopesticides as an alternative to conventional chemicals can be maximised through harmonised regulations, well-defined risk assessment frameworks, and strong collaboration between policymakers and scientists.

Professor Mitter said sustainable and safe alternatives to chemicals are increasingly sought by both producers and consumers due to issues such as residual toxicity, resistance and non-specificity. The issue of residues presents significant challenges not only for domestic consumption but also for international trade, where stringent maximum residue limits are imposed, affecting the Australian agricultural export sector.

“Over the past two decades, interest in alternatives to conventional chemicals has grown significantly,” Professor Mitter said.

“Despite the clear benefits of, and the obvious need for pesticides in agriculture, their acceptance by the community is faltering. The public is now seeking a transition to chemical pesticide-free agriculture, a view that is gaining traction globally.

“These alternatives must be sustainable, eco-friendly, and less toxic, while also improving crop protection and agricultural practices to ensure food safety and security.”

Professor Mitter said one emerging technology in pest management and crop improvement is dsRNA-based products for pest management (dsRNA-based biopesticides), which do not involve genetic modification of the host plant.

“These biopesticides, based on topically applied double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) have the potential to manage viruses, insect pests and fungal pathogens as a key component of integrated pest and disease management.”

Dr Sandya Gunasekara, from the UQ Centre for Policy Futures, emphasised the importance of coordinated international efforts.

“Countries currently have differing regulatory approaches to dsRNA-based biopesticides, which creates uncertainty for researchers and industry. Global regulatory divergence can delay product development and restrict market access,” Dr Gunasekara said.

“To fully realise the benefits of these technologies, we need globally aligned risk assessment processes, clearer regulatory pathways, and more coordinated science-policy engagement across jurisdictions.”

Key findings of the research include:

Sustainable and safe alternatives: dsRNA-based biopesticides offer a less toxic and eco-friendly solution for pest management, targeting viruses, insects, fungi and nematodes without genetic modification of the host plant. These biopesticides show minimal off-target effects and are considered safer for humans compared to traditional pesticides.

Regulatory challenges: the study identifies significant barriers to the global deployment of dsRNA-based biopesticides, including inconsistent regulatory frameworks across countries, slow regulatory adaptation, and limited public support. These challenges contribute to delays in product development and market access.

Need for regulatory convergence: harmonising regulations and risk assessment guidelines internationally is crucial for the successful commercialisation of dsRNA-based biopesticides. The study calls for stronger collaboration between scientists and policymakers, regionally harmonised policies, and standardised data to assess environmental impacts.

Successful case studies: a successful example of dsRNA-based biopesticide includes Greenlight Biosciences' Calantha, the first sprayable insecticide based on RNAi technology, which has been registered in over 30 states in the USA. In 2023, Renaissance BioScience received regulatory approval for large-scale field studies of its yeast-based RNAi product in Canada. These case studies demonstrate the potential of dsRNA-based biopesticides to improve crop protection and agricultural practices.

Professor Mitter said next steps included ongoing science-policy interactions, regional dialogues, and the development of fit-for-purpose regulatory and risk assessment systems.

“It is highly important to continue public engagement and evidence-informed policies to build trust and support for dsRNA-based biopesticides,” Professor Mitter said.

Professor Mitter said she is working on a new initiative to harness the potential of RNA for Agricultural research at Charles Sturt.

“I am keen to establish Australia’s first Agriculture RNA Innovation and Manufacturing Hub (ARIM) in Wagga Wagga, NSW,” Professor Mitter said.

“There is a critical gap when it comes to the manufacturing of dsRNA which does not need GMP certified facilities and hence is cost- effective for agricultural application.”

ENDS