Innovations and Delivery Systems for Nucleic Acid-Based Pest Management: Molecular Perspectives of Gene Silencing on Biocontrol

Nucleic acid-based pest management represents a rapidly evolving field in agricultural biotechnology, focusing on gene silencing technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) to control insect pests, pathogens, and weeds. Conventional chemical pesticides face numerous challenges—including resistance development and negative environmental impacts—which has motivated the accelerated search for sustainable alternatives. Among these, nucleic acid-based biocontrol approaches have garnered significant attention due to their target specificity and reduced ecological footprint. Recent years have witnessed the development of various formulations and delivery systems that enable the efficient introduction of gene-silencing molecules into target organisms, yet there remain technical and regulatory hurdles before large-scale implementation can be realized. Ongoing debates concern the stability, efficacy, and safety of these systems, as well as issues related to off-target effects and environmental persistence.This Research Topic aims to consolidate the latest research and technological breakthroughs in the development and application of nucleic acid-based delivery systems for pest management, with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of gene silencing underlying effective biocontrol strategies. By bringing together diverse perspectives from molecular biology, nanotechnology, entomology, plant pathology, and regulatory science, the collection seeks to advance our understanding of how innovative delivery platforms—ranging from nanoparticles to symbiont-mediated approaches—mediate precise and efficient gene silencing in agricultural pests and pathogens. Key questions include optimizing delivery efficiencies, assessing long-term impacts, and elucidating the molecular interactions within target organisms.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses innovations in nucleic acid formulation, delivery, and mechanistic evaluation for crop protection purposes, while excluding non-molecular or purely chemical pest control approaches. To gather further insights in nucleic acid-based pest management, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Novel delivery vehicles for nucleic acid-based gene silencing (e.g., nanoparticles, viral vectors, bacteria, and symbionts)• Molecular mechanisms and efficiency of gene silencing in insect pests and pathogens• Target selection strategies and specificity in RNAi and other gene-silencing technologies• Environmental stability, safety, and biosafety assessments of nucleic acid-based products• Challenges and opportunities for regulatory approval and commercial deployment• Field validation and monitoring of gene silencing efficacy in complex agroecosystems• Integration of nucleic acid-based approaches with existing pest management programsWe encourage submissions that provide rigorous insights into these emerging technologies, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical agricultural applications. Please note that purely descriptive studies and Brief Research Reports are not accepted for this collection. Topic editors: Erika V S Albuquerque, Kristof De Schutter Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/73291/innovations-and-delivery-systems-for-nucleic-acid-based-pest-management-molecular-perspectives-of-gene-silencing-on-biocontrol