Toxicological and Functional Assessment of Minicell-Encapsulated dsRNA on Biocontrol Agents in Agriculture.

ABSTRACT: Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based biopesticides represent promising tools for target-oriented pest and pathogen control. However, their compatibility with beneficial organisms used in biological control programs is not clear. In this study, the potential interactions between two dsRNA formulationsnaked and minicell-encapsulated (ME-dsRNA)and different commercialized bacterial, fungal, and insect biocontrol agents (BCAs) were examined. There was no toxicity of either of the two dsRNA formulations toward , , or , based on growth assays. ME-dsRNA significantly enhanced fungal BCA growth, likely due to improved uptake or protection. Coapplication trials on strawberry fruit and foliage showed that coapplication of dsRNA and BCAs was efficacious with no evidence of synergistic or antagonistic

SUBMITTER: Zarrabian M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12272273 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature