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Fungicides

Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) May Hold Key to Managing Forest Diseases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Valladolid have discovered that spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) may be an effective method for managing forest diseases caused by pathogenic fungi. The study, recently published in Plant Disease, aimed to determine whether SIGS could be used to control F. circinatum, a widely impactful forest pathogen that causes pine pitch canker disease. The researchers confirmed that F. circinatum can uptake externally applied double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), triggering an inhibition of the pathogen's virulence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The conventional use of chemical fungicides in forest ecosystems is not feasible, making novel control strategies necessary.
  • Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a promising approach that can modulate the expression of target genes in eukaryotes in response to dsRNA.
  • The study evaluated the applicability of SIGS for managing forest pathogens, specifically F. circinatum, and confirmed its effectiveness in inhibiting the pathogen's virulence.
  • Recurrent applications of dsRNAs in SIGS were found to be more effective in protecting plants than single applications.
  • The study pioneers the demonstration that SIGS can control a globally significant forest pathogen subject to quarantine measures.
  • F. circinatum was able to uptake externally applied dsRNA, triggering an inhibition of the pathogen's virulence.
  • This research was led by Irene Teresa Bocos-Asenjo, Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid.
  • The study has significant implications for the management of forest diseases, highlighting the potential of SIGS as a sustainable approach.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Valladolid, with Irene Teresa Bocos-Asenjo leading the research team.
  • The researchers evaluated the effectiveness of SIGS in controlling F. circinatum, a globally significant forest pathogen.
  • The study found that recurrent applications of dsRNAs in SIGS were more effective in protecting plants than single applications.
  • The effectiveness of SIGS in inhibiting F. circinatum's virulence was confirmed in the study.

Sources:

  • Bocos-Asenjo, I. T., Amin, H., Mosquera, S., Diez-Hermano, S., Ginesy, M., Diez, J. J., Nino-Sanchez, J. (2025). Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) as a Tool for the Management of Pine Pitch Canker Forest Disease. Plant Disease, 109(1).
  • ORCID information for Jonatan Nino-Sanchez (orcid.org/0000-0002-0356-9871).
  • NewsRx. Researcher at University of Valladolid Discusses Research in Plant Diseases [Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) as a Tool for the Management of Pine Pitch Canker Forest Disease]. Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 5280.

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