Exploring the ecological footprint of RNAi: balancing innovation and environmental safety

By Martina Nardelli, PhD fellow

Modern agriculture faces a tough challenge: how to protect crops from pests without relying on harmful chemicals? A promising answer lies in RNA interference (RNAi), a natural biological process shared by nearly all living organisms.

RNAi acts as a genetic “off switch,” enabling scientists to silence specific genes in pest insects and reduce the damage they cause to crops. In the field, this can be achieved by applying a dsRNA-based spray to the crop, like other plant protection products. When the target pest feeds on the treated crop, the dsRNA enters its cells and, eventually, blocks the production of essential proteins, ultimately causing the pest’s death. This approach appears to be precise, targeted, and potentially much safer for the environment than conventional pesticides.

In 2024, the first sprayable dsRNA-based plant protection product (CalanthaTM) was commercialized in the United States to control the notorious Colorado potato beetle, marking a major milestone in sustainable pest management. More recently, again in the US, NorroaTM, a product specifically designed to combat varroa mites, the leading threat to honey bee colonies, has been launched.

The research...

Introducing any new pest control technology requires taking a closer look at its broader ecological effects. How do RNAi-based products interact with organisms that are not intended to be targeted? And does their use align with the principles of safe and sustainable agriculture?

That’s where my research comes in. My PhD project investigates how RNAi-based plant protection products interact with non-target species, such as bees and ladybugs. By studying their effects and mechanisms of action, I aim to help develop better ways to assess risks and ensure these technologies are used safely.

...And why it matters

This work is not only about understanding risks, but also about enabling innovation in line with environmental safety. Under the European Green Deal, the EU aims to cut chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030. Achieving that goal will require modern, bio-based solutions like RNAi, supported by smarter and faster regulatory assessments.

By exploring both the promise and the potential side effects of RNAi, my research aims at contributing to a more balanced, evidence-based approach to pest control - one that protects crops, supports biodiversity, and moves European agriculture toward a more sustainable future.