D3262: Minicell-based RNAi delivery for sustainable crop protection against Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Solenopsis invicta

Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Solenopsis invicta are among some of the most economically devastating pests in the US, collectively causing $7 billion in annual losses. Spray induced gene silencing (SIGS) using topical dsRNA applications has risen as a promising, target-specific, and environmentally friendly disease management strategy against pests. Agrospheres has developed bacterially-derived anucleated minicells that can be utilized as a cost effective and scalable platform for dsRNA production and encapsulation. The minicell-encapsulated dsRNA (ME-dsRNA) is shielded from RNase degradation and provides stability against applied heat and UV rays as well as enhanced delivery of active to target pests.