As the human population and food demands increases, also production is limited by abiotic and biotic factors, it is necessary to consider alternatives to current plant protection strategies. Although the use of plant protection products is one of the better options, they can still have toxic effects on humans and other organisms. Therefore, biotechnological approaches are increasingly being used, among which the promising technology of RNA interference stands out. It is a phenomenon based on the specific degradation of RNA transcripts, which prevents translation and the formation of amino acids. Within the framework of RNA interference, two methods are distinguished: SIGS and HIGS. SIGS (Spray - Induced Gene Silencing) is a protection method in which double-stranded RNAs that are complementary to the mRNA of the target organism, are sprayed onto the surface of plant tissue, such as leaf, which prevents further translation. HIGS (Host - Induced Gene Silencing) is a method in which a transgenic plant as a host triggers the expression of dsRNA and siRNA, which with the help of certain molecules, such as vesicles, enter the pathogenic organism and bind to the target mRNA and trigger its degradation. Both methods are suitable for biological control of plants against phytopathogenic fungi in sustainable agriculture.
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