Maxing out chemical-free crop protection with dsRNAmax

Software maxes out safety of biopesticides for agriculture

Dr Chris Brosnan (left) and Stephen Fletcher at the University of Queensland. Credit: Megan Pope Scientists have created a freely available software that will allow them to better design RNAi biopesticides, a type of agricultural spray which relies on genetic processes to combat pests and pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) works by introducing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to switch off genes essential for the survival of organisms and viruses. Un…

Maxing out chemical-free crop protection with dsRNAmax

A software package developed and validated at The University of Queensland can tailor safe, effective and chemical-free crop protection using RNA interference (RNAi). The dsRNAmax software designs double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to target pest and pathogen species while excluding off-target species like beneficial insects.