RNA interference in crop protection: opportunities and challenges during the transition to commercialization

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising tool for crop protection, offering the potential for high specificity and the ability to target a wide range of pests and pathogens through sequence-specific design. Growing interest from academia has accelerated research in the field, while some companies have seized the opportunity to develop RNAi-based products in regulatory environments more open to this type of innovation, positioning RNAi as a potential alternative or complement to conventional plant protection products. Notably, the recent registration of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based products for insect control marks a transition from experimental research to early commercialization. However, several challenges remain before widespread adoption, especially in Europe. These include regulatory uncertainties, high production costs of dsRNA (used to trigger RNAi), limited comparative field efficacy data, and societal concerns related to emerging biotechnologies. Furthermore, broader validation is needed for environmental risk assessment. Despite these obstacles, RNAi has strong potential to enhance crop protection under climate change and delay resistance, especially when integrated with other technologies. Continued research, cost-effective production methods, and strong collaborations between academia, industry and regulators are essential to support responsible implementation, potentially improving access to advanced plant protection tools for smallholders and vulnerable farming communities.