GrainCentral

by Susan Webster
MEDICAL technology that developed a speedy vaccine for COVID is now offering promise as a potential biopesticide for crops.

Queensland-based molecular biologists are looking at harnessing movement by a form of ribonucleic
acid (RNA) which delivers the DNA’s genetic instructions to a cell.

Plant geneticists at the University of Queensland are focussing on how forms of RNA can enhance plant protection and fight pests, viruses and fungal infections.

Recent research was detailed in a talk on Tuesday by Chris Brosnan, a research fellow and senior  research officer at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation’s Centre for Horticultural Science.

His work on canola, cotton and tomatoes is revealing how the RNA travels to various parts of the plant.

Read on: https://www.graincentral.com/research/rna-shows-biopesticide-potential-in-canola-cotton-trials/