Innovations in Nano-Biopesticides and RNAi Technology for Targeted insect Pest Management in Organic Crop Production
Chetna Khokhar
Department of Chemistry, Om Sterling Global University, Hisar, India.
J. Mohitha Reddy *
Dr YSR Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India.
B. S. Ravishankar
Department of Zoology, BLDEA's, Commerce, BHS Arts & TGP Science College, Jamkhandi Taluk, Bagalkot District, Karnataka State, India.
Mahesh Pathak
School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam, Meghalaya, India.
Harshita Tyagi
Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India.
R. Pungavi
Joy University, Raja Nagar, Vadakangulam, Near Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli Dist. – 627116, Tamil Nadu, India.
Aakriti Aggarwal
Institute of Biotechnology, SKUAST, Jammu, India.
Sagar Kashinath Khokale
Sandip Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashik, India.
Balveer Singh
KVK Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
As the global agricultural sector navigates the year 2026, the shift toward sustainable, chemical-free production has moved from a peripheral movement to a central scientific priority. Conventional entomology is currently undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the limitations of broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides and the increasing rigor of organic certification standards. This Review explores the groundbreaking convergence of Nanotechnology and RNA interference (RNAi) as the "next-generation" toolkit for organic and natural farming (Prakritik Kheti). Unlike traditional pesticides, these innovations offer unprecedented species-specificity, ensuring the total preservation of pollinators and natural predatory biodiversity.
The discussion details the emergence of Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS), a non-transgenic approach that allows for targeted pest suppression without altering the crop’s genome, thereby aligning with international organic protocols. We analyze the critical role of biodegradable nanocarriers—specifically Chitosan, BioClay, and Lipid Nanoparticles—in overcoming the historical bottlenecks of RNAi, such as environmental instability and poor cellular uptake across the insect cuticle. By "packaging" fragile double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in these eco-friendly matrices, field stability is extended from a few hours to several weeks, making these tools commercially viable for large-scale organic cereal and horticultural production.
Furthermore, the Review examines the synergistic potential of "Green" metallic nanoparticles synthesized from botanical extracts, which provide a dual-action mechanism by weakening pest immune systems while delivering genetic payloads. We conclude with a review of the global regulatory landscape in 2026, the economic feasibility of cell-free RNA production, and the environmental fate of these biopolymers. These trends signify a departure from "chemical warfare" in favor of "ecological precision," providing a robust framework for achieving high-yield, resilient, and biodiverse agricultural ecosystems.
Keywords: Nano-biopesticides, RNA interference (RNAi), organic entomology, green nanotechnology, sustainable pest management, precision agriculture, bio-intensive IPM