RNAi in agriculture: A comprehensive review of its applications, challenges, and future prospects

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a transformative tool in agricultural biotechnology, offering a highly specific, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical-based crop protection. This review evaluates the applications, challenges, and future prospects of RNAi in advancing global food security and promoting sustainable farming systems. RNAi, a natural post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism, functions through the processing of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively degrade target mRNAs. This molecular precision enables the suppression of essential genes in pests and pathogens while minimizing off-target effects on beneficial organisms, thereby reducing biodiversity loss and environmental contamination. Case studies across major crops, including cotton and maize, demonstrate RNAi’s efficacy in managing destructive pests such as the cotton boll weevil and rootworms, as well as viral pathogens. Beyond pest control, RNAi shows promise in enhancing tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity, and in biofortifying crops with essential micronutrients, underscoring its role in improving both yield stability and nutritional quality. Despite these advantages, widespread adoption remains constrained by technical, regulatory, and socioeconomic barriers. Instability of dsRNA in the field, high production costs, and limited accessibility for smallholder farmers hinder large-scale implementation. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks, often rooted in older genetically modified organism (GMO) legislation, are misaligned with RNAi-specific innovations, while public scepticism toward biotechnology presents additional challenges. Looking forward, integration of RNAi with complementary approaches, including nanotechnology, CRISPR-based genome editing, and advanced breeding, could accelerate its deployment. Strategic policy reforms, increased research investment, and improved public engagement are essential to unlock RNAi’s full potential for sustainable food production.