Utilization of dsRNA technology in the control of Fusarium

The Fusarium fungus causes losses in crop plants by producing toxins and weakening seed germination the following year. The damage caused by the Fusarium fungus varies yearly depending on weather conditions, being either minor or, in the worst case, destroying large amounts of the total harvest. In addition, the toxins produced by Fusarium pose a health risk to humans and animals. In recent years, especially in oats, HT2 and T2 toxin producers have been detected, which are difficult to control with current chemical pesticides. The resistance of other Fusarium strains to the used fungicides has also increased. In this project, we are developing a method for controlling the Fusarium fungus in oats based on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technology. It is based on the ability of plant cells to recognize and fight viruses that infect them. When dsRNA is specifically targeted to affect (silence) specific Fusarium genes, dsRNA sprayed on plant leaves can cause a decline in Fusarium growth and/or toxin production. Beneficial of this technic is that it is safe for pollinators and other organisms. In this project, we focus on selecting and sequencing suitable target genes, utilizing the existing strain collection. We design suitable dsRNA sequences, which we test in closed experimental conditions on oats.