Research progress on spray-induced gene silencing technology in the field of plant fungal disease control

Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is an innovative and sustainable plant disease control technology that leverages the mechanisms of plant-pathogen molecular interactions and cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi). By applying nucleic acid reagents designed to target and silence pathogenic genes onto plant surfaces, SIGS enhances plant resistance to pathogens. This technology offers several advantages, including high specificity, exceptional prevention efficiency, environmental compatibility, and simple development. SIGS holds the potential to significantly reduce reliance on chemical fungicides, representing strategic advancement for sustainable agriculture. This paper elucidates the underlying principles of SIGS technology, summarizes the recent applications of SIGS in plant fungal disease control, introduces various delivery systems that enhance its efficiency, and discusses current challenges and future prospects for its broader implementation.