Stabilization of RNA for exogenous RNAi agricultural applications and formulations

A composition for delivering RNA to a pest via exogenous, foliar application of the composition to a plant, the composition comprising:

• RNA, wherein the RNA is present in an amount from about 0.4 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition;
• a primary surfactant, wherein the primary surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, where in the primary surfactant is present in an amount of from about 4 to about 7 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition;
• a secondary surfactant, wherein the secondary surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and combinations thereof, wherein the secondary surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition;
• and
• a metal-ion sequestrant, wherein the metal-ion sequestrant is present in an amount of from about 0.6 to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition;
• and wherein the RNA is dsRNA or single-stranded RNA;
• and
• wherein the composition controls a plant pest or pathogen selected from the group consisting of an insect or a fungus.