PamelaDrew on Nostr: The biofungicide, marketed as Oifirax, is specifically approved to combat grape ...

The biofungicide, marketed as Oifirax, is specifically approved to combat grape powdery mildew, a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Erysiphe necator. The product uses targeted double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) via spray-induced gene silencing to deactivate genes in fungi that cause diseases in plants.

In a peer-reviewed paper, scientists have warned that dsRNAs are remarkably stable in the environment, can remain intact after passing through the digestive systems of insects and worms, and can readily transfer to mammals through food where they can circulate in blood and alter gene expression in organs. The concern is that these molecules could silence or otherwise disrupt the genes of beneficial and non-target insects, as well as humans and other animals, with unknown but potentially fatal consequences. https://www.gmwatch.org/en/latest-news/20726-scientists-warn-of-dangers-as-mexico-approves-worlds-first-gene-silencing-rnai-biofungicide-2