The global agricultural direct yield loss is estimated up to 40% and minimizing such loss is therefore crucial for future sustainability of global crop production. The discovery of RNA-mediated gene silencing mechanism has improved our understanding on gene expression and their regulation. The mechanism was later found applicable for controlling various plant pathogens. Recent discoveries indicated that plant small RNAs are involved in plant defence not only against viruses but also extended to other pathogens, such as insect pests and fungi. This finding showed that RNA-mediated gene silencing is a conserved strategy employed by plant as a defence mechanism and will boost the application of RNA-mediated gene silencing to improve crop resistance against various pests and diseases. This review provided summaries of the application of RNA-mediated gene silencing in the plant protection against various pests and diseases including from nematodes, insects, fungi, and viruses. The strategies used and significant findings were also discussed and this information can be considered for future planning of similar study. This review also provided the latest trends and potential applications of dsRNA via non-transgenic approach to control pests and diseases, namely spray-induced gene silencing. The advantages and disadvantages of application of RNA-mediated gene silencing in plant protection via transgenic and non-transgenic approaches were also discussed. The application of RNA-mediated gene silencing could offer a promising solution for plant protection against pests and diseases.

据估计，全球农业直接产量损失高达40％，因此，将这种损失降至最低对全球作物生产的未来可持续性至关重要。RNA介导的基因沉默机制的发现提高了我们对基因表达及其调控的理解。后来发现该机制可用于控制各种植物病原体。最近的发现表明，植物小RNA不仅参与了植物对病毒的防御，而且还扩展到其他病原体，例如害虫和真菌。这一发现表明，RNA介导的基因沉默是植物保守的防御策略，将促进RNA介导的基因沉默的应用，从而提高作物对各种病虫害的抗性。这篇综述提供了RNA介导的基因沉默在植物防御各种害虫和病害中的应用的摘要，这些害虫和病害包括线虫，昆虫，真菌和病毒。还讨论了所使用的策略和重要发现，可以为以后类似研究的计划考虑这些信息。这篇综述还通过非转基因方法控制了病虫害，即喷雾诱导的基因沉默，提供了dsRNA的最新趋势和潜在应用。还讨论了通过转基因和非转基因方法在植物保护中应用RNA介导的基因沉默的优缺点。RNA介导的基因沉默的应用可以为植物对抗病虫害提供有希望的解决方案。