[E-Daily Reporter Park Jung-Soo ] GENOLUTION INC.(225220)announced on the 14th that it has filed a domestic patent application for an RNA interference (RNAi)-based crop protection formulation targeting Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2), which causes significant damage to domestic chili pepper farms.
This patent involves technology that analyzes the BBWV2 genome to identify gene regions essential for viral replication and suppress them. The company explained that it confirmed the virus replication-inhibiting effect in plant infection tests using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) designed in-house.
BBWV2 is a virus that infects major horticultural crops, including chili peppers, causing mosaic symptoms on leaves and inhibiting growth. As it often co-infects with other viruses, such as the Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), it is considered a major cause of reduced farm productivity.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the annual production value of chili peppers in South Korea is approximately 1 trillion won. The company expects this technology to help reduce disease damage to domestic chili pepper farms.
Previously, since there were no chemical pesticides capable of directly treating plant viruses, responses were primarily preventive, such as controlling vector insects or removing infected crops. In contrast, RNA-based crop protection agents are gaining attention as eco-friendly next-generation pesticides because they selectively inhibit viral genes to prevent replication.
According to the company, the global market for RNA-based crop protection products is projected to grow from approximately $1.72 billion in 2025 to about $3.04 billion by 2031. The United States has commercialized RNAi-based eco-friendly insecticides, and China is also moving forward with the registration process for RNA pesticides targeting plant viruses.
GENOLUTION INC. was the first in the world to obtain marketing authorization for a bee disease treatment utilizing RNA interference technology and possesses its own dsRNA mass production platform.
With this patent application, GENOLUTION INC. has secured its third plant virus pipeline, following the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and the Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). The company plans to use this to build a comprehensive RNA-based plant protection platform targeting viruses affecting major horticultural crops.
GENOLUTION INC. official stated, “Since BBWV2 causes significant damage to domestic chili pepper farms through mixed infections, we expect high market demand once it is commercialized,” adding, “Based on our proprietary dsRNA mass production technology, we will continue to expand our RNA pesticide pipeline and accelerate our entry into the global market.”