Spray-induced gene silencing technology for fungal pathogen control in pine nurseries
RNA interference-based crop protection technology targeting Fusarium circinatum in pine nurseries. Uses topical application of double-stranded RNA to silence pathogen genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis and purine degradation, offering a non-GMO alternative for disease management in agriculture and forestry.
Overview
This research proposes spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) as an innovative approach to control Fusarium circinatum, a fungal pathogen affecting pine nurseries. By targeting the ergosterol biosynthetic and purine degradation pathways through RNA interference, the technology aims to reduce pathogen virulence without integrating foreign genetic material into the host plant. This positions SIGS as a rapid, flexible alternative to genetically modified organism (GMO)-based disease resistance strategies, with potential applications across both agriculture and forestry sectors.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) uses double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) applied topically to crops to trigger RNA interference in target pathogens
- Targets the FUB1 gene in the fusaric acid biosynthesis pathway as an initial validation target
- Subsequent targets include genes in the ergosterol biosynthetic and purine degradation pathways of Fusarium circinatum
- Genetic machinery required for RNA interference has been confirmed present in F. circinatum
- Validation approach combines high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for fusaric acid quantification with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for gene expression analysis
Key advantages:
- Non-GMO approach with no genomic integration into the host crop
- Rapid development cycle for new gene targets compared to traditional breeding
- Topical application enables flexible deployment
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early research and pilot validation stage. The research team has confirmed the presence of all required genetic machinery for SIGS in Fusarium circinatum and has initiated a pilot trial within the pathosystem. A forthcoming pilot trial will synthesize three dsRNA targets against the FUB1 gene and apply them to actively growing cultures to measure gene silencing efficacy. If successful, the approach will expand to ergosterol and purine degradation pathway targets. The technology currently requires further laboratory validation before field deployment.
About University of Pretoria
UP is a comprehensive, multi‑campus public research university in Pretoria with a broad disciplinary base and significant postgraduate activity. Industry engages through co‑located, large‑scale labs at the Engineering 4.0 campus—home to national reference and training facilities developed with SANRAL and partners—and through clinical pathways via Steve Biko Academic Hospital. For streamlined collaboration, Enterprises University of Pretoria serves as a single contracting gateway for contract research and consulting, while a dedicated Technology Transfer Office manages IP and licensing. Research is supported by South Africa’s National Research Foundation and the South African Medical Research Council, alongside international sponsors. Startup creation is enabled by the on‑campus TuksNovation incubator.
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