Plant Science

GreenLight Bio Reports Breakthrough in RNA-Based Bioherbicide Development

GreenLight Biosciences, Inc. announced the successful completion of its Series C funding round, bringing in $25 million in new capital.
Image provided by GreenLight Bio

Key Takeaways

  • GreenLight Biosciences demonstrated consistent efficacy of its RNA-based bioherbicide in greenhouse and field trials.
  • The lead candidate targets horseweed, a major weed issue in no-till soy agriculture.
  • The RNA solution is designed to pair with conventional herbicides to lower overall chemical use and resistance.
  • The technology introduces a new, non-GMO mode of action aimed at improving sustainability in weed management.
  • Regulatory dossiers are being prepared to bring the solution to market following successful trials.

GreenLight Bio Advances RNA-Based Herbicide Platform

GreenLight Biosciences (Profile), a biotechnology company specializing in RNA solutions for agriculture, announced a significant advancement in its bioherbicide development pipeline. The company has demonstrated that its RNA-based technology can effectively control herbicide-resistant weeds, providing farmers with a potential alternative to traditional chemical herbicides.

The innovation offers a new approach to weed control that is non-GMO, biologically targeted, and compatible with existing herbicide programs.


Lead Candidate Targets Horseweed in Soy Agriculture

The company’s lead bioherbicide candidate is designed to control horseweed (Conyza canadensis), a major concern in no-till farming systems and soy production. GreenLight Bio used AI-enabled design tools to evaluate over 180 potential options before selecting its current lead candidate.

In both greenhouse and field trials, the solution showed consistent herbicidal activity and potential for integration with traditional herbicides. This pairing is aimed at:

  • Enhancing herbicide efficacy
  • Reducing overall chemical load
  • Lowering costs for farmers

According to Andrey Zarur, CEO of GreenLight Biosciences: “Farmers around the world are grappling with herbicide-resistant weeds and a shrinking toolbox for effective weed control. Our RNA-based platform introduces a non-GMO approach that targets weeds with precision and may reduce reliance on traditional herbicides like glyphosate.”


Addressing Resistance and Regulatory Pressure

Herbicide resistance has become an increasing challenge in agriculture, with estimates indicating $10 billion in annual costs to the U.S. sector alone. Despite ongoing investment, only one new herbicide mode of action (MOA) has been introduced globally in the past 30 years.

GreenLight Bio’s RNA interference (RNAi) platform works by disrupting essential weed functions without harming surrounding crops or ecosystems. The foliar-applied sprays degrade quickly in the environment, minimizing residue and persistence, in contrast to some long-lasting chemical herbicides.


Greenlight Bio’s Next Steps Toward Commercialization

Following successful trials, GreenLight Biosciences plans to begin preparing regulatory dossiers to bring the herbicide to market. The company has already advanced other RNA-based products through regulatory processes, including:

  • Calantha™, approved by the U.S. EPA in early 2024, targets Colorado potato beetle.
  • A Varroa mite control solution submitted for review in 2023, addressing honeybee health.

The company is also developing RNA solutions focused on plant heat tolerance and improved pest resistance, continuing its broader aim to deliver biological alternatives to conventional crop protection tools.

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