A Colorado State University-led project is developing a weed control
method that is based on the application and methods of the latest
gene-silencing weed control technology. The objective is to help farmers
eliminate weeds using genetically precise and sustainable methods.

The method uses antisense oligonucleotides to penetrate cells of weed
plants and target single strands of RNA that will be delivered through a
nanoparticle-based, shelf-stable spray. The method is very specific to
the target weeds and will leave crops unharmed. The project will
initially target the Palmer amaranth as its test case, a hardy and
aggressive pigweed that exhibits extensive hebicideresistance.

If successful, the method will provide farmerswith a weed control system
that can be easily applied yet is safe for both humans and the envirinment.

CSU, biotech company partnering on RNA-based method for weed control
(colostate.edu)
[agsci.source.colostate.edu]