Regulatory aspects of RNAi in plant production.

Abstract

Abstract Technologies based on RNA interference (RNAi) may be used in plant production in different contexts. With respect to applicable regulations, a major distinction is to be made between plants producing small RNA molecules due to modifications of the genome and topically applied plant protection products (PPPs) based on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The first group may be further divided into those using RNAi technology to achieve changes in the plant's metabolism and those where plant-produced RNA molecules are intended to impact other organisms that interact with the plant. For PPPs, relevant aspects are whether the product contains living organisms or only purified molecules. The intended use of the product is another relevant aspect with respect to regulation. It is expected that PPPs will be among the first products utilizing the RNAi mechanism in the European Union. This chapter discusses the regulation of modified RNAi plants and the regulation of PPPs utilizing RNAi mechanisms.