PepMV Plant Protection With dsRNA, RNAi, and Transfer Agents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling Potexvirus infections, such as Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) in plants, are expensive and labor-intensive, and there is a lack of effective genetic resistance, necessitating a more efficient and economical approach.

Innovation Solution

The application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) polynucleotides, complementary to essential PepMV gene sequences, using a transfer agent like organosilicone surfactants, to suppress viral gene expression via RNA interference (RNAi), thereby reducing or eliminating symptoms of infection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical transmission control methods are used, then plant protection is attempted, but the methods are expensive and labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant protection effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical transmission control methods with a molecular biology-based approach using dsRNA and RNA interference. Instead of mechanical barriers or manual interventions, the invention uses genetic mechanisms to suppress viral gene expression, thereby reducing labor intensity and cost while maintaining protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The plant's own RNA interference machinery is harnessed to provide protection. The dsRNA triggers the plant's endogenous siRNA pathway to silence viral genes, allowing the plant to defend itself without external mechanical intervention, thus reducing labor and cost requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional mechanical transmission control methods are used, then plant protection is attempted, but the methods are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant protection effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol method cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical control systems with a molecular approach using dsRNA and RNA interference. This substitution eliminates the need for costly mechanical barriers, manual monitoring, and intensive labor, thereby reducing overall control costs while maintaining effective plant protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of control mechanism from mechanical/physical to molecular/biological. By using dsRNA that triggers gene silencing at the molecular level, the system achieves effective protection at lower cost compared to traditional mechanical methods that require continuous manual intervention and expensive equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dsRNA polynucleotides are applied to suppress viral gene expression, then infection symptoms are reduced, but the method requires specific transfer agents and precise sequence complementarity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection suppression effectivenessVSAvoidcomposition formulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses transfer agents as intermediaries to facilitate the delivery of dsRNA into plant cells. These agents act as mediators that enhance the uptake and stability of dsRNA, enabling effective gene suppression without requiring direct injection or complex delivery systems. The transfer agents simplify the formulation process while maintaining suppression reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 suppresses PepMV infection symptoms and transmission, providing a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional mechanical transmission control methods.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRNA interference (RNAi):

Data Source

PatentUS12408674B2Methods and compositions for controlling plant viral infection

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

Methods and compositions for treatment and prevention of Potexvirus disease in plants are provided, including methods and compositions employing double-stranded RNA polynucleotides and a transfer agent. Further provided are compositions for treatment or prevention of Potexvirus disease in plants, and methods for reducing expression of a Potexvirus gene and for identifying polynucleotides useful in modulating gene expression in plant viruses.