Fungal pathogens pose a major threat to both human and plant health. Traditionally, they are controlled using fungicides; however, these have adverse environmental and health effects. Targeted gene silencing through the use of exogenously produced double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) represents a promising alternative due to its high specificity. The primary obstacle to broader application is the high cost of dsRNA production. Bacterially produced dsRNA could offer a solution. Escherichia coli HT115(DE3) is most commonly used, although symbiotic, plant-associated bacteria inhabiting hosts susceptible to fungal infection are also being explored. For dsRNA delivery, live bacteria, bacterial lysates, or purified dsRNA molecules can be employed. The use of
live bacteria offers protection of dsRNA against physical and biological degradation; however, strict biosafety measures are necessary to prevent environmental release of these bacteria.
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