CPF's Sandya Nishanthi Gunasekara and Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman authored a new publication in Nature Plants "The future of dsRNA-based biopesticides will require global regulatory cohesion" with other team members of the Policy and Engagement work stream of the ARC Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection.
- It stems from the Australian Research Council Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection hosted by The University of Queensland (UQ), led by Professor Neena Mitter, who continues as the Director of the Hub from Charles Sturt University
- The article was published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Plants
- It emphasises the need for global regulatory cohesion to facilitate the development and commercialisation of innovative dsRNA-based biopesticides.
The promise of dsRNA-based biopesticides in crop protection is undeniable, offering targeted pest control with minimal environmental impact and without the need for genetic modification. However, the path from research to market remains hindered by fragmented regulatory frameworks across the globe.
A newly published article in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Plants, ‘The future of dsRNA-based biopesticides will require global regulatory cohesion’, highlights the urgent need for international regulatory cohesion to accelerate the adoption of this innovative technology and ensure sustainable agricultural solutions worldwide.
Team member, CPF's Dr Sandya Gunasekara emphasised the importance of coordinated international efforts.
“Countries currently have differing regulatory approaches to dsRNA-based biopesticides, which creates uncertainty for researchers and industry. Global regulatory divergence can delay product development and restrict market access,” Dr Gunasekara said.
“To fully realise the benefits of these technologies, we need globally aligned risk assessment processes, clearer regulatory pathways, and more coordinated science-policy engagement across jurisdictions.”
As inconsistent test methods and differing regulatory approaches across countries have slowed commercialisation, the researchers recommended:
- Simplifying regulatory processes rigorous safety and efficacy testing is required, as well as ongoing collaboration between scientists and policymakers
- Transparent communication and evidence-informed policies to aid regulatory alignment and support the development of harmonised regional regulations
- Establishment of general design guidelines and experimental validation standards is recommended
