Developing an RNAi-based biological seed treatment to protect soybeans from the causal agent of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) Fusarium virguliforme

Fungal pathogens cause crop yield and quality reduction leading to billions of dollars lost annually in the US. Fungicide resistance development and environmental toxicity drive an urgent need for novel fungal control strategies. RNAi can impact plant gene expression to activate innate fungal defense mechanisms. The dsRNA inducing this response is inherently non-toxic and highly selective thus environmentally friendly and able to preserve beneficial microbes as opposed to chemical fungicides. GreenLight has shown dsRNA can enter germinating soybean seeds and result in Fusarium virguliforme protection by induction of plant innate defense responses. The goal of this project is to bring this early-stage SDS protection closer to market by converting our method from its current non-commercial wet seed format to a commercially applicable surface-dried seed treatment. This will provide farmers with a novel low toxicity mode of action for SDS protection. Our objectives are to 1.) Define a matrix of soy- compatible seed treatment mixes that can 2.) carry dsRNA without significant degradation and 3.) release dsRNA during germination in a soil context and thus 4.) result in target gene and defense pathway regulation to provide protection against F. virguliforme. This commercial soy seed treatment platform of dsRNA delivery should be broadly applicable to induce defense against many fungi. It can be further extended to induce beneficial crop traits providing suites of environmentally sound crop protection and enhancement options for the farmer.