On March 12th 2025, Fondazione Edmund Mach hosted the final meeting of the Euregio SIRNACIDE project, marking an important milestone in the search for sustainable crop protection solutions. Over the past three years, researchers from FEM, the University of Innsbruck, and Laimburg Research Center have developed an innovative RNA-based fungicide to combat Plasmopara viticola, the pathogen responsible for downy mildew in grapevines.
By leveraging RNA interference (RNAi) technology and nanocarrier delivery systems, the project has successfully created an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides—offering a more targeted, biodegradable, and eco-friendly approach to plant disease management.
While the meeting discussions have been reserved for project partners, the outcomes of SIRNACIDE represent a significant step forward for sustainable viticulture.
