Host-Induced Gene Silencing: A Novel Strategy in Vegetable Crop Protection

Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) leverages the plant’s own gene silencing machinery to target genes of invading pests and pathogens. By genetically engineering vegetable crops to produce double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) or hairpin RNAs matching essential pest genes, HIGS triggers RNA interference (RNAi) across species boundaries. This approach has shown promise in multiple vegetable families. For example, transgenic tomatoes expressing dsRNA against insect genes (such as Tuta absoluta V-ATPase-A) or fungal genes (such as Fusarium oxysporum virulence factors) exhibit significantly reduced damage. Similarly, cucurbit plants silencing viral coat protein genes (e.g. ZYMV CP) become resistant to common viruses. Recent trials in brassicas and legumes have targeted clubroot effectors and aphid genes, respectively, achieving measurable resistance. Despite these successes, HIGS faces regulatory and social considerations typical of genetically modified solutions. This article reviews the mechanisms of HIGS, highlights examples across Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Brassicaceae, and Fabaceae crops, and discusses regulatory and acceptance issues. The combined evidence suggests HIGS could become a durable, species-specific complement to traditional plant breeding and chemical control methods.