RNA interference (RNAi) is being developed and exploited to improve plants by modifying endogenous gene expression as well as to target pest and pathogen genes both within plants (i.e. host-induced gene silencing) and/or as topical applications (e.g. spray-induced gene silencing). RNAi is a natural mechanism which can be exploited to make a major contribution towards integrated pest management and sustainable agricultural strategies needed worldwide to secure current and future food production. RNAi plants are being assessed and regulated using existing regulatory frameworks for GMO. However, there is an urgent need to develop appropriate science-based risk assessment procedures for topical RNAi applications within existing plant protection products legislation.

中文翻译：

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RNAi：它在农业中的地位是什么？

RNA干扰（RNAi）的开发和开发是通过修饰内源基因表达来改良植物，以及在植物内（即宿主诱导的基因沉默）和/或作为局部应用（例如喷雾诱导的基因）靶向害虫和病原体基因静音）。RNAi是一种自然机制，可用于为全球范围内确保当前和未来粮食生产所需的综合虫害管理和可持续农业战略做出重大贡献。正在使用现有的转基因生物监管框架对RNAi植物进行评估和监管。但是，迫切需要在现有植物保护产品法规中针对局部RNAi应用开发适当的基于科学的风险评估程序。