Genetically modified - the term evokes considerable controversy and debate amongst agriculturalists, scientists and the broader community. Although often associated with food crops and to a limited level, with animal husbandry, a new generation of genetically-focussed pesticides are in development and early results indicate that these new agrichemicals are effective. The latest technology in pesticides evolution is termed RNA interference. In simple terms, RNA is Ribonucleic acid and one of the two types of nucleic acids found in all
cells with the other type being deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Crucially RNA transmits genetic
information from DNA to proteins produced by the cell. RNA interference causes disruption and silences insect genes.
The University of Colarado has been successful is using an RNA spray to kill the Colorado potato beetle protecting potato plants for more than 28 days. The RNA spray does not however introduce heritable changes to the genome. Monsanto is currently developing RNA sprays to use on beetles which are resistant to other pesticides with the intention of having products ready for the market by 2020.
Of concern, is the fact that RNA sprays are not classified as GM products being instead chemical pesticides and therefore will not be regulated under the genetically modified regime. There remains various unknowns with this development not the least being the possibility of modified RNA being detected in species other than the target insect pests once the use of this spray becomes more commonplace.
