Examining dsRNA pesticide durability on crop plants

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Sustainable agriculture through modern technological advancements remains a top priority for researchers and growers in Canada. Plant protection through the use of broad-based chemical applications often results in the off-targeting of beneficial organisms responsible for plant growth, development and pollination. The proposed Engage project will support preliminary research and bridge relations between industry and University scientists to investigate the effect of molecular stability, durability and penetrance of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) pesticidal molecules on the leaf surface and presence in subtending cell layers. We will be studying this from a molecular standpoint. The Belmonte laboratory has developed extensive expertise in the methods required to carry out these experiments. The studies are hypothesis driven and will engage one part time technician and one summer student. The impact of this work is practical, leading to deeper understanding of events critical for plant protection and pest management. The impact is also theoretical and will likely change our understanding of pesticide stability and penetrability in one of the most economically important agricultural crops to the Canadian economy.