Application of a dsRNAs-induced RNAi method for acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene silencing in Amaranthus hybridus L.

RNAi is a natural gene silencing pathway that can be taken advantage of for weed control in agriculture. Since RNAi can be triggered by the application of exogenous dsRNA to induce PTGS, the aim of the study is to develop a method for ALS (acetolactate synthase) gene silencing in Amaranthus hybridus L., a common weed that has become more resistant to herbicides over time, in order to inhibit its growth and avoid using herbicides. In addition it is significant that by using exogenous dsRNA there's no need to resort to GM plants. It's also important to highlight the fact that the target is an endogenous gene, which results more difficult to silence than an exogenous gene.