Project Number: 6618-21000-013-25
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: May 01, 2010
End Date: Jul 30, 2012

Objective:
Develop citrus cultivars which are resistant to Huanglongbing (HLB) and citrus canker through use of transgenic approaches.

Approach:
Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation will be used on nucellar citrus shoot tissue to reduce survival, proliferation, and/or virulence of the causal pathogens for HLB and citrus canker. Efforts will include antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs); transgenes associated with the pathogens and possibly those that trigger host plant disease responses. A parallel strategy is incorporating transgenes that deter or kill the psyllid vector. Both constitutive and phloem-specific promoters will be used. Transgenic plants will be tested for resistance in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field. Huanglongbing (HLB) is now well-established in FL and it is predicted that essentially all FL citrus will be infected in 7-10 years. It is unlikely that the disease or its vector will be eradicated and, there are no known management strategies to control HLB or maintain acceptable yields with HLB present. No HLB-resistance has been identified in cultivated citrus, making transgenic solutions the priority for plant material to permit sustained economic citrus production where HLB is endemic. Canker is now endemic and an important factor in economic value and productivity, especially for fresh-market citrus.