Project Number: 6618-21000-013-50
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 01, 2013
End Date: Dec 31, 2015

Objective:
Develop and maintain a test site for evaluation of transgenic citrus scion and rootstock genotypes and expression vector strategies for resistance to huanglongbing and the vector, Asian citrus psyllid.

Approach:
A citrus production site at the USDA/ARS, Picos Road Farm and will be maintained for testing of transgenic citrus resistance to huanglongbing (HLB) and psyllid. Ongoing strategies to identify resistance to HLB and/or its psyllid vector include many transgenic approaches. All of these research projects ultimately require testing in the field where HLB and psyllid are endemic. The Picos Farm of the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce, FL is ideal for this use. This site will be available to University of Florida, Texam A&M University and ARS researchers. In addition to transgenic trees, some non-transgenic citrus with reasonable probability of resistance, will be tested.