The article explores the challenges and advancements in RNAi-based strategies for crop protection, including host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), and microbe-induced gene silencing (MIGS). It highlights the importance of dsRNA design, large-scale production, and delivery systems. The article also discusses the potential of exogenous RNAi-induced inheritance, as observed in *Caenorhabditis elegans*, suggesting that RNAi-based strategies could provide longer-lasting protection for crops against pests and fungal pathogens. Despite the success of these strategies, there are still challenges in their lab-to-field transition, particularly in dsRNA design, production, and delivery. The article emphasizes the need for further research to address these challenges and accelerate the application of RNAi-based crop protection strategies.The article explores the challenges and advancements in RNAi-based strategies for crop protection, including host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), and microbe-induced gene silencing (MIGS). It highlights the importance of dsRNA design, large-scale production, and delivery systems. The article also discusses the potential of exogenous RNAi-induced inheritance, as observed in *Caenorhabditis elegans*, suggesting that RNAi-based strategies could provide longer-lasting protection for crops against pests and fungal pathogens. Despite the success of these strategies, there are still challenges in their lab-to-field transition, particularly in dsRNA design, production, and delivery. The article emphasizes the need for further research to address these challenges and accelerate the application of RNAi-based crop protection strategies.