Spray-induced gene silencing in the battle against pathogens, pests and weeds on our fields - soon reality or still a sci-fi?

Agriculture faces ongoing challenges from pathogens, pests and weed threats that are amplified by climate change, intensive monoculture farming practices, and regulatory restrictions limiting traditional chemical treatments. To enhance resilience, innovative solutions are urgently needed. One promising strategy is RNA interference (RNAi), a natural mechanism for gene silencing. Among RNAi-based approaches, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) stands out for its ability to deliver double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) directly to eukaryotic organisms, modulating gene expression to suppress harmful species. Recent research demonstrates that appropriately designed dsRNA can suppress growth or induce mortality in over fifty pestiferous species, including fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, insects, and even weeds. Importantly, the first commercial SIGS-based product received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval in December 2023, highlighting advances in cost-effective dsRNA production and extended shelf stability. This review emphasises the practical applications and innovations of SIGS, providing clear guidelines for translating laboratory findings to field success. By critically evaluating current progress, this review highlights SIGS as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture while identifying challenges that must be addressed to fully realise its potential.