Project Number: 6618-22000-039-05
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2010
End Date: Jun 30, 2013

Objective:
To dissect the disease complex of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) in Florida from the following five angles: 1) to complete Las genome sequence and to conduct comparative genomics of the Liberibacter species; 2) to validate Koch’s postulates by culturing the Las bacterium in vitro and development of artificial inoculation methods; 3) to explore the potential role of the microbial community and genetic diversity of Las bacteria in HLB development; 4) to confirm if Las bacteria are seed-transmissible and their role in HLB development; and 5) to monitor Las population dynamics in citrus and periwinkle plants after chemical and heat treatment.

Approach:
Through molecular biology techniques, including state-of-the-art genomic sequencing, microarrays, and library construction, we will finish sequencing the Las genome, perform comparative genomics, seed transmission studies and microbial ecology analyses. Using a combination of long established and newly developed microbiology techniques, we will continue to pursue the culturing of Las. Greenhouse and lab experiments will be conducted to monitor Las population dynamics and when appropriate for the progress of other objectives.