Sustainable agriculture has taken a giant leap forward thanks to the work of researchers at The University of Queensland. To this end, they pioneered dsRNAmax, the first in a new software package, creating the next frontier of chemical-free crop protection. Exponentially RNA interference (RNAi) fuels dsRNAmax to develop highly tailored and potent solutions for pest control. This far less toxic approach completely removes the negative impacts associated with chemical pesticides.
This new and innovative software creatively designs one single double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to target multiple genes simultaneously. It accomplishes this brilliantly, regardless of gene copy number. In further validation studies including nematodes sourced from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), dsRNAmax also demonstrated high suitability at targeting specific genes. Remarkably, it did not cause any off-target effects on non-target nematode species.
Validation and Research Collaboration
The recently developed validation study for dsRNAmax appeared in the journal NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics. This is a huge step forward in the development of this software. The research was led by Stephen J Fletcher and co-authors. Their research is an important reminder of the unprecedented collaboration between The University of Queensland and DPI in ensuring the software’s effectiveness.
“It was the collaboration with DPI that got us over the line because without the validation system we would not have been able to publish the software.” – Stephen Fletcher
This partnership gave researchers an opportunity to test the software’s capabilities in real-world circumstances. They employed three different nematode species, including an off-target species, to create a rigorous validation process. These findings suggest that dsRNAmax is a powerful tool for efficiently designing dsRNA intended to protect crops without harming non-target organisms.
Future Improvements and Applications
Looking forward, the research team is interested in making dsRNAmax even more effective. Fletcher noted that machine learning will be absolutely essential to this effort. Our goal with any dsRNA we develop is to improve on the design by 5% to 10%. This enhancement would significantly increase its utility and impact within production environments.
“We’ll be using machine learning to improve the design to make our dsRNA 5% to 10% more effective, which would make a huge difference in a production system,” – Stephen Fletcher
Fletcher mentioned that being more effective would mean using less dsRNA, which would save producers money by using smaller amounts. dsRNAmax has applications beyond the AgVillage pilot projects. It is an indispensable research tool that is broadly applicable to address the growing challenges from pests and pathogens.
“The idea of the software is that it designs a custom dsRNA for a target organism, and we can use it on almost anything across many projects,” – Stephen Fletcher
Mechanism and Impact on Crop Protection
At its core, dsRNAmax uses RNAi, a natural mechanism that controls gene expression in nearly all species. By inducing RNAi with custom made dsRNA, the computer can knock out specific genes needed by the pest to live and reproduce. This creative alternative to chemical pesticides meets farmers’ and consumers’ demands for more environmentally friendly pest solutions—the wave of the agricultural future.
Dr. Chris Brosnan emphasized the power of this technology, stating, > “What we can do is usurp this existing mechanism with dsRNA created by us to target any gene we choose, and use it to control pathogens and pests.”