DEFEATING BOYTRYTIS IN GRAPEVINES WITH SIRNAS

Silvec has identified 4 key objectives that must be overcome to defeat fungi using its proprietary technology: (1) identify siRNAs compatible with its delivery vector and can silence the expression of critical genes in B. cinerea in vitro; (2) demonstrate that its vector-derived siRNAs are able to suppress pathogenicity of B. cinerea in N. benthamiana; (3) demonstrate that its vector can control the preharvest and postharvest diseases of grapevines caused by B. cinerea in greenhouse and field trials; and (4) replicate the process for additional fungi including U. necator. Objectives (1) and (2) are the focus of this Phase I while Objectives (3) and (4) are the focus of Phase II. If successful, the results could be transformative for US agriculture and save growers billions of dollars per year from reduced fungicides and increased yields.