Though most people are likely familiar with RNA (specifically, messenger RNA) technology from its application in COVID-19 vaccines, few have probably heard about its potential uses in agriculture.
Understanding the RNA Technology
Two types of RNA technology are applicable to agriculture: single strand RNA (ssRNA), and double strand RNA (dsRNA). The best known examples of ssRNA are COVID-19 vaccines, which comprise a particular type of ssRNA called messenger RNA (mRNA). When it’s injected in a mammal, it elicits the production of a protein; for example one of the many proteins produced by a virus. Such a protein is not infectious. On the contrary, it teaches the body of the mammal, when the same protein shows up (this time the virus itself), how to destroy it. Thus, it behaves like a vaccine.
The second type of RNA, i.e., dsRNA, has a similar shape as DNA; it is a double helix; however, it is made of RNA instead of DNA. In agricultural applications, the dsRNA carries the information of a mRNA that encodes a protein vital to the target pest. However, dsRNA is disguised as a virus. The target pest eats the dsRNA and its cells mistake it for a virus and destroy the mRNA they find in the cell having the same sequence as the dsRNA. This effect is called RNA interference (RNAi). Since the dsRNA has the same sequence as one of the pest’ own vital proteins, that vital protein is not made anymore and the pest dies. In a sense, the pest kills itself.
4 Broad Uses of mRNA Applications in Agriculture
1. Crop improvement: mRNA technology can be used to improve crop yields, nutrient content, and resistance to pests and diseases. By delivering mRNA molecules into plant cells, researchers can control gene expression and manipulate specific traits in crops.
2. Vaccine development: mRNA technology has been used to develop vaccines for livestock and crops. For example, researchers have developed a vaccine for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) using mRNA technology, which has shown promising results in protecting pigs from the disease.
3. Pest control: mRNA technology can also be used to control pests by manipulating the expression of genes that are essential for their survival. For example, researchers have used mRNA technology to silence genes in the Colorado potato beetle, a major pest of potato crops.
4. Functional foods: mRNA technology can be used to enhance the nutritional value of crops, such as increasing the levels of certain vitamins or minerals. This could have important implications for improving the nutritional quality of food for humans and animals.
Overall, mRNA technology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and improve food security by enabling the development of more resilient and nutritious crops. However, much more research is needed to fully realize its potential and ensure its safety and efficacy in agricultural applications.
Strong Market Potential in AgBioTech
The global market for agricultural biotechnology is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Market Research Future. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing demand for food and the need for sustainable agriculture practices. mRNA AgTech companies are well-positioned to take advantage of this market growth with their innovative technology and potential to address key challenges facing the agriculture industry.
Government & Investment Support of mRNA Technology
Agriculture science companies implementing mRNA technology in their products range from start-ups to well established ag giants. The USDA has established programs to support the development of agricultural biotechnology, including mRNA technology. Many of the early stage companies have raised non-dilutive grants from the National Science Foundation or National Institutes of Health, but venture capital is also pouring into the space. As an example, Greenlight Bioscience solutions include crop management, plant protection, animal health, and vaccine development. The company has developed RNA-based pesticides to protect honeybees from parasitic mites and has raised $556.5 million over six funding rounds and went public via a SPAC valued at about $1.2 billion.
Miami-based NanoSUR’s RNAi (RNA interference) pesticides show great promise, targeting specific genes in certain pests to “silence” or disrupt them. The customizability of RNAi pesticides allows them to be readily adapted to counteract and work around the inevitable development of pesticide resistance in targets. In the past, applying RNAi pesticides to farm acreage was commercially infeasible due to the high cost of RNA. RNA cost approximately $600 per gram, and 1-5 grams were needed per acre. Commercial pesticides were significantly cheaper, around $20 per acre, and so the possibility of using RNA as a basis for pesticide was impractical. However, new developments have led to a promising decrease in the price of RNA.
Investing in an early stage mRNA AgTech company can make sense for those looking to contribute to sustainable agriculture practices and take advantage of the growing market for agricultural biotechnology. With proven benefits in agriculture, strong market potential, and support from governments and investors, RNA AgTech companies are well-positioned for growth and success in the years to come.