Environmental stability and degradation of RNA in horticultural production systems – a genetic ecology perspective

Genetic ecology explores how genes, mobile genetic elements, and nucleic acids interact in natural environments.
Beyond vertical inheritance, horizontal gene transfer, transposable elements, and viroid infections shape phenotypic traits and pathogen dynamics in horticulture.
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a promising RNA-based biotechnology for sustainable pest control, but concerns remain regarding nucleic acid persistence in horticultural systems.
This review examines environmental DNA and RNA stability, revealing a stratified genetic ecology where different nucleic acids occupy distinct temporal niches.
DNA can persist for months when bound to soil particles, while RNA degradation varies dramatically by structure.
Linear RNAs, such as mRNA and double-stranded RNA, typically degrade within days, whereas circular RNAs, such as viroids, can remain stable for months or even years, raising concerns about unintended spread.
Environmental factors significantly influence degradation patterns.
Temperature, pH, microbial activity, and soil composition affect RNA stability, while technological approaches such as nanoparticle encapsulation can extend RNA persistence for horticultural applications.
By integrating insights from viroid and synthetic RNA degradation studies, this review expands the framework of genetic ecology in horticulture, providing crucial information for optimizing SIGS efficacy, managing pathogen risks, and ensuring biosafety in RNA-based biotechnologies.

International Symposium on Biotechnological Tools in Horticulture

M.H. Hagemann

genetic ecology, RNA degradation, SIGS, viroids, RNA stability, biostimulants, biosafety

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1454.40