RNA Interference-Based Tools for Plant Improvement and Protection

Dear Colleagues,

RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved intracellular process that mediates plant resistance to undesirable nucleic acids and regulates expression of endogenous protein-coding genes. This naturally occurring phenomenon is used to considerably downregulate expression of specific gene targets and induce desirable biochemical and/or phenotype changes in plants or plant pathogens. The major RNAi-based crop improvement and protection strategies include host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), feeding insects with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and external dsRNA application termed as spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) or exogenous RNAi (exo-RNAi). Recent research has shown that double-stranded RNA (dsRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and microRNA (miRNA) exogenously applied on plant surfaces can be taken up and induce gene silencing in plants and plant pathogens. External RNA application is being developed as an innovative approach for gene regulation in plants and plant pathogens. All these techniques present promising instruments for ensuring low-risk and environmentally friendly plant management.

This Special Issue invites original research papers, reviews, communications, and opinion papers devoted to the application of RNAi-based technologies for plant improvement, gene function analysis, or plant pathogen/pest control.

We welcome papers related but not limited to the following specific topics:

• Exogenous RNAs for gene regulation, plant improvement, gene function analysis, or plant pathogen/pest control
• Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS): recent achievements and developments;
• Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS): recent achievements and developments;
• Insect dsRNA feeding and foliar dsRNA application to control insect pests;
• Bacterium-mediated RNAi;
• Other innovative RNAi-based techniques for plant gene regulation;
• RNAi as a tool for plant gene function analysis;
• Stability and/or uptake of exogenous dsRNA;
• Mechanisms of exogenous RNA perception and RNAi induction in plants and plant pathogens.

Dr. Alexandra S. Dubrovina
Dr. Konstantin V. Kiselev
Guest Editors

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