RNA-based Antiviral for Plants

28 Apr 2025

RNA-based Antiviral for Plants

Scientists have developed an RNA-based antiviral technology that significantly strengthens plant immunity against devastating viral infections, especially the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV).

About the RNA-based Antiviral

  • The new RNA approach offers precision targeting of viral genes, stronger and longer-lasting defence, adaptability to new virus strains, and a non-genetically modified (non-GMO) solution through sprays.
  • Developed by: A research team from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.Defence Mechanism: They engineered a highly effective dsRNA enriched with potent small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to boost plant defence.
    • The engineered double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) acts as a trigger, activating the plant’s immune system by being processed into functional small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
    • These siRNAs specifically target and destroy the viral RNA, offering precise and stronger antiviral protection.
  • Potential Impact on Agriculture: This innovation could greatly reduce crop losses caused by plant viruses, which currently account for over $30 billion in global annual damages, and enhance food security.
  • Future Prospects: While being a promising solution it faces  challenges such as RNA stability under field conditions, production scalability, and regulatory approvals must be addressed before wide agricultural deployment.

Advantages of RNA-Based Plant Antivirals

  • Precision Targeting:The RNA-based antiviral uses engineered dsRNA enriched with potent siRNAs, allowing the plant’s immune system to precisely attack the virus’s most vulnerable genetic regions.

About Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

  • CMV is a plant pathogen with a wide host range, infecting over 1,200 species including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants, leading to significant agricultural losses.
  • Spread: Primarily transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent manner, and it can also spread through infected seeds or mechanical means, making its management challenging.
  • Symptoms:  leaf mosaic patterns, stunted growth, distortion of plant parts, and reduced yield, with severity influenced by the plant species, viral strain, and environmental conditions.

  • Stronger and Lasting Defence: The approach generates a higher concentration of effective siRNAs, boosting the plant’s antiviral response and offering stronger, longer-lasting protection against multiple virus strains.
  • Non-GMO and Adaptable Solution: The antiviral can be applied as a spray without altering plant DNA and can be quickly redesigned to target emerging viral strains.

About Viral Infection in Plants

  • Plant viral infections occur when viruses invade plant cells, hijacking their machinery to replicate and spread, ultimately damaging the plant.
  • Examples: Common plant viruses include CMV , Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, Potato Virus Y, and Tobacco Mosaic Virus, affecting a wide range of crops.

Impact of Viral Infections on Plants

  • Reduced Crop Yield:  Plant viruses often cause yield losses ranging from 25% to 70%, resulting in severe economic setbacks for farmers.
  • Poor Plant Health: Infected plants show symptoms like mosaic discoloration, stunted growth, and malformed, commercially unviable fruits.
  • Global Economic Losses: According to the UN FAO, plant pests and diseases destroy nearly 40% of annual crop production, costing the global economy over $220 billion, with viruses accounting for $30 billion.

Factors Responsible for Rise in Viral Infections

  • Rapid Virus Mutation: Plant viruses mutate quickly, making it difficult for natural immunity or traditional controls to be effective.
  • High Vector Presence: Sap-sucking insects like aphids, with nearly 90 species capable of spreading CMV, facilitate rapid and widespread virus transmission.
  • Climate Change Effects: Changing weather patterns expand the habitat range of virus-carrying insects, leading to more frequent and severe viral outbreaks.
  • Lack of Effective Cures: Unlike bacterial or fungal infections, plant viral infections currently lack direct treatments, increasing vulnerability.

India’s Vulnerability to Viral Infections in Plants

  • High Yield Losses:  In India, CMV alone causes 25–30% yield losses in banana plantations and up to 70% losses in crops like pumpkin, cucumber, and melon.
  • Diverse Crop Portfolio:  India’s agriculture sector depends on a wide variety of crops, many of which are susceptible to multiple viral strains.
  • Favorable Climatic Conditions: India’s warm climate and monsoon seasons promote the proliferation of aphids and other vectors that spread plant viruses.

Way Forward

  • Adaptation to Novel Technology: Farmers must be encouraged and trained to adopt innovative RNA-based antiviral solutions like SIGS for effective viral infection management.
  • Integration with Traditional Methods: Combining RNA-based defences with traditional agricultural practices such as crop rotation and pest management can strengthen overall plant health.
  • Awareness and Education: Awareness campaigns should be launched to educate farmers about plant viral infections, their impact, and modern protective techniques.
  • Government Intervention: Governments must fast-track regulatory approvals, provide financial support for technology adoption, and invest in large-scale field trials to ensure widespread use.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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