# RNA Interference in Plant Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms: A Weapon or a Liability?

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how plants use RNA interference to defend against pathogens like viruses and fungi, and explores its potential for new biotech strategies.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of RNA interference's role in plant-pathogen interactions and highlights recent biotechnological applications.

## Key findings

- RNA interference is a key mechanism in plant immune responses against pathogens.
- Fungal and viral diseases cause significant economic damage, making them a focus for RNAi-based strategies.
- Recent advancements suggest RNA interference can be harnessed for novel plant defense methods.

## Abstract

The RNA interference machinery is crucial for regulating the activity of both native and foreign genes across all eukaryotes. The core protein families involved in this process are Dicer-like, Argonaute, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. However, plants exhibit remarkable diversity within each family and extensively use RNA interference mechanisms in their intricate immune responses. This review examines the role of RNA interference in plant interactions with various pathogens, including viruses, viroids, fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria. Plant diseases cause an estimated $220 billion in annual damage, with microorganisms accounting for approximately $150 billion. Hence, the focus is on the most severe plant diseases, specifically those caused by fungi and viruses. Additionally, recent biotechnological advancements are discussed, with an emphasis on the application of RNA interference for the development of novel plant defence strategies.