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Biocontrol of Root-Knot Nematodes via siRNA-Loaded Extracellular Vesicles From a Nematophagous Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora

Summary

Scientists developed a new way to control harmful root-knot nematodes that damage crops by using natural containers called extracellular vesicles from a fungus. These vesicles carry small RNA molecules that silence genes essential for nematode survival and reproduction. When tested on tomato plants, this fungal-based treatment reduced nematode damage by about 60% while promoting healthier plant growth, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

Background

Root-knot nematodes cause significant global crop production losses and current chemical nematicides pose environmental and health risks. RNA interference offers promise for nematode control but efficient delivery of RNA molecules into nematodes remains challenging. This study explores extracellular vesicles from nematophagous fungi as natural RNA delivery vehicles.

Objective

To develop an innovative RNA delivery platform using extracellular vesicles derived from Arthrobotrys oligospora for delivering siRNAs and other RNA molecules targeting root-knot nematode genes. The study aimed to demonstrate both exogenous loading of synthetic siRNAs and endogenous production of shRNA/dsRNA-containing EVs for effective nematode control.

Results

Calcium chloride-mediated transfection achieved 3.40% siRNA loading efficiency. EVs loaded with Mi-flp-18 siRNA reduced nematode motility by 50.55% and root invasion by 48.25%. Engineered EV-producing strains suppressed target gene expression 2.16-5.41 fold. In greenhouse experiments, engineered strains reduced root galling by approximately 60% and increased plant biomass by 20%, with control efficacy reaching 56.13%.

Conclusion

Fungal extracellular vesicles represent an effective, eco-friendly RNA delivery platform for root-knot nematode biocontrol. The approach offers advantages over chemical pesticides and transgenic crops by enabling continuous in situ RNA production without genetic modification. This novel EV-based RNAi strategy establishes a scalable and sustainable alternative for agricultural pest management.
  • Published in:Microbial Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1111/1751-7915.70274, PMID: 41287984
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