dsRNA Transfer Agent for Herbicide-Resistant Weed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weeds compete with cultivated plants for resources, produce toxic chemicals, and harbor diseases, leading to significant crop losses and increased costs for farmers, with herbicide-resistant weeds posing a particular challenge due to the limited effectiveness of existing herbicides.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the topical application of a composition containing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and a transfer agent to plants, which targets glutamine synthetase (GS) genes, enhancing the activity of GS inhibitor herbicides by suppressing GS gene expression, thereby increasing their effectiveness against herbicide-resistant weeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GS inhibitor herbicides are applied to control weeds, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but herbicide-resistant weed biotypes reduce the effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The dsRNA is applied to the plant surface in advance to suppress GS gene expression before the herbicide is applied. This preliminary action reduces the weed's ability to resist the herbicide by downregulating the target gene, thereby restoring herbicide effectiveness against resistant biotypes
Solution Approach 2:
The dsRNA acts as an intermediary between the plant's genetic system and the herbicide action. By introducing dsRNA that targets GS gene mRNA, it mediates gene suppression that sensitizes the weed to GS inhibitor herbicides, effectively bridging the resistance gap
2Power
If dsRNA is applied to suppress GS gene expression, then herbicide potency is enhanced, but additional treatment steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The method combines dsRNA application with herbicide application in a coordinated treatment regimen. By merging the gene suppression action of dsRNA with the herbicidal action in sequence, the overall treatment power is enhanced while managing process complexity through integrated application protocols
3Manufacturing precision
If dsRNA permeation is achieved through transfer agents, then gene suppression efficiency is improved, but additional composition components are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer agent serves as an intermediary substance that facilitates dsRNA permeation through the plant surface barrier. This mediator enables efficient gene suppression by bridging the gap between external dsRNA application and internal cellular uptake, achieving high suppression efficiency while managing composition complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively enhances the potency of GS inhibitor herbicides, allowing for more efficient control of weeds, including herbicide-resistant biotypes, by modulating GS gene expression, thereby reducing crop losses and management costs.
Implementation Method 1
the transfer agent conditions the surface of the plant for permeation by the dsRNA; providing a suitable period of time for the dsRNA to permeate the interior of the plant
Implementation Method 2
the dsRNA is identical or complementary to at least 18 contiguous nucleotides of an RNA sequence of a GS gene sequence... induce suppression of a GS gene
Implementation Method 3
The glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme is an essential enzyme in the metabolism of nitrogen by catalyzing the condensation of glutamate and ammonia to form glutamine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate glutamine synthetase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.