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The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) is an independent academy with a mission “...to promote engineering and economic sciences and the advancement of business and industry for the benefit of society.” We bring together leading engineers, economists, researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders in business and the public sector, who contribute generously to IVA’s operations through their intellectual capital and their engagement.

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IVA believes in humanity’s capacity to contribute positively to society through the engineering and economic sciences. We run a number of projects and programmes, produce reports, knowledge bases and policy proposals, and organise open seminars and meetings nationwide. We also recognise and encourage the efforts of others by awarding distinctions and grants.

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RNA spray against potato late blight

RNA spray against potato late blight

Potato late blight costs European agriculture more than five billion euros each year and requires repeated fungicide applications. We have developed an RNA-based spray that suppresses the disease while reducing dependence on conventional fungicides.

Year:

2026

University:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Responsible Researcher:

Prof. Ramesh Raju Vetukuri, CEODr. Ruparamadurganagacharan Konakalla, Board member, Dr. Katie Stevens, Bekele Gelena Kelbessa, M.Sc (PhD student),

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Our technology uses naturally occurring RNA molecules sprayed directly onto potato plants to silence essential genes in the late blight pathogen. This makes it harder for the pathogen to establish disease while leaving the crop unaffected. In greenhouse trials, a single treatment reduced infection by up to 70 percent, and the RNA remained stable on leaves for several weeks after application. Repeated treatments showed no negative effects on plant growth, photosynthesis, or yield. A patent application has been filed, and the spin-off company Elaris Bio was founded through the SLU Holding accelerator to support future commercialization. Next steps include pilot field trials and scaling RNA production for commercial use.