A Spanish Biotech Is Building the Full Value Chain for RNA Crop Protection

Why It Matters

If Modoru reaches its cost and scalability goals, dsRNA could become a mainstream, low‑environmental‑impact tool for crop protection, reshaping European agriculture and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Key Takeaways

• Modoru develops dsRNA biopesticides targeting viruses, fungi, insects
• Goal: produce purified RNA under €5 (~$5.4) per gram
• Nano‑encapsulation extends dsRNA shelf life beyond 7 days
• Europe’s pesticide regulations lag behind RNA‑based product approvals
• Company builds full value chain from design software to field formulation

Pulse Analysis

The agricultural sector is confronting a growing demand for sustainable, precise crop‑protection tools, especially against viral pathogens that have long evaded chemical solutions. Modoru Biotech leverages RNA interference, a mechanism native to all eukaryotes, to create double‑stranded RNA molecules that act as biostimulants, prompting plants to mount their own defenses. By focusing on horticultural viruses such as Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, the firm fills a critical gap where conventional pesticides offer little efficacy, promising growers a biodegradable, highly selective alternative that minimizes off‑target impacts on soil microbiota.

Scalability and cost remain the twin hurdles for RNA‑based agritech. Historically confined to high‑value pharmaceuticals, dsRNA production requires sophisticated bioprocessing equipment and purification steps that drive up expense. Modoru’s strategy is to internalise the entire value chain—from proprietary molecular‑design software to industrial‑scale fermentation and nano‑encapsulation—aiming to bring the price of purified RNA below €5 per gram (about $5.4). Coupled with formulation advances that prolong field stability while preserving rapid biodegradation, these efforts could lower application rates to under one gram per hectare, making the technology economically viable for large‑scale farming.

Regulatory uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. European pesticide legislation is still calibrated for synthetic chemicals, creating a mismatch for biologically‑derived RNA products. While the United States, Brazil, Canada, China and Australia have already authorized RNA‑based solutions against pests like the Colorado potato beetle, Europe lags behind, prompting companies like Modoru to navigate a nascent approval pathway. If policymakers adapt frameworks to accommodate precision‑biology tools, dsRNA could become a cornerstone of the next agricultural revolution, delivering rapid, adaptable protection that mirrors the agility of precision medicine in the field.