• dsRNA biopesticides sprayed on leaves can move into root systems. • Study refutes belief that dsRNA enters plant cells directly. • Research led by Dr. Chris Brosnan at UQ’s Queensland Alliance. • Findings published in Nucleic Acids Research journal. • Implication: biopesticides can be applied topically for systemic pest control. • Opens new opportunities for sustainable agriculture and reduced chemical use.

Article Summaries:

  • University of Queensland research has revealed that double-stranded RNA-based biopesticides (dsRNA) sprayed on plant leaves can travel right down into root systems. Led by Dr. Chris Brosnan at UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Science, the work also disproves a long-standing misconception that dsRNA directly enters plant cells. The research is published in Nucleic Acids Research.

Sources: