Engineered endophytic fungal platform for rnai-based pest and nematode control in crops
A biocontrol fungal platform that uses engineered endophytic and biocontrol fungi to deliver hairpin RNA and siRNA molecules into insect pests and nematodes, suppressing essential genes through RNA interference. The technology offers a sustainable, targeted alternative to chemical pesticides for crops such as corn and soybean.
Overview
This platform leverages naturally occurring endophytic and biocontrol fungi as delivery vehicles for RNA interference (RNAi) molecules to control agricultural pests and nematodes. By engineering fungal strains from genera such as Sarocladium, Trichoderma, and Aspergillus to express hairpin RNA (hpRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), the technology targets essential genes in pests such as corn borers and plant-parasitic nematodes in soybean. The approach provides a biologically based, highly specific alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, supporting integrated pest management and reducing chemical residues in food production.
Technical specifications
Core mechanism:
- Engineered fungi colonize plant tissues as endophytes or biocontrol agents
- Fungal strains produce hpRNA/siRNA targeting essential pest genes such as chitin synthase A (CHSA), a key enzyme in insect chitin biosynthesis
- Trans-kingdom delivery of RNAi molecules occurs when pests or nematodes feed on treated plants
- RNAi molecules silence critical genes, disrupting pest development and survival
Fungal candidates identified:
- Sarocladium species
- Trichoderma harzianum strains
- Aspergillus species
Validation methods:
- hpRNA construct design using primers specific to the CHSA gene
- Integration of hpRNA cassettes into selected Trichoderma strains
- QPCR and Northern blot analysis to confirm hpRNA expression and siRNA production
- Bioassays evaluating RNAi effects on corn borer developmental stages and weight
- Parallel hpRNA design targeting nematode essential genes in soybean
Technology readiness level
The platform is at an early research and development stage. Fungal candidate strains have been identified and hpRNA construct design is in progress, but no experimental validation has been completed to date. Planned next steps include confirming hpRNA expression and siRNA production in engineered fungal strains and conducting bioassays to measure RNAi efficacy against target pests. The approach builds on demonstrated proof-of-concept work showing trans-kingdom siRNA delivery from fungi to plants and successful RNAi-based nematode control using transgenic plants, providing a foundation for further development toward field-ready biocontrol products.
About Pebble Lab Inc
Pebble Labs is a biotechnology company that develops sustainable crop protection solutions for global food production. Its core technology platform, Directed Biotics, uses naturally occurring microbes found within crops, which are precision-engineered to deliver RNA molecules. This approach leverages RNA interference (RNAi) to specifically target and suppress formidable pests and diseases that threaten agricultural yields. By engineering these microbes to provide targeted protection, the company aims to offer a biological alternative to traditional synthetic chemical pesticides, focusing on enhancing plant health and maintaining crop quality.
The company’s solutions address critical challenges in food security, such as yield loss and the increasing environmental and safety concerns associated with chemical pesticide use. By providing a highly specific and sustainable method for disease and pest control, Directed Biotics technology is designed to integrate into modern agricultural management systems, reducing chemical residues and protecting beneficial insects. Pebble Labs has received recognition for its innovation, including achieving Awardable status in the DARPA ERIS Marketplace, and remains committed to advancing agricultural sustainability through research-driven biological applications.
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