Location: Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research
Project Number: 6034-21000-020-018-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Feb 1, 2026
End Date: Jan 31, 2029
Objective:
This project has two objectives, Objective 1: screen breeding populations for new individuals with exceptional HLB tolerance and fruit quality as populations mature and begin to fruit; Objective 2: plant new and manage ongoing Stage 2 trials of the selections most likely to succeed in the HLB environment versus commercial standard controls.
Approach:
The USDA citrus breeding program will establish a pipeline for the rapid evaluation and accelerated movement through the pipeline of promising new varieties using common evaluation criteria. This pipeline is focused on rigorous testing of new citrus variety creations utilizing advanced evaluation screening tools that will provide greater grower confidence in the creation of new citrus varieties. Additionally, there has been limited historical coordination between UF/IFAS and USDA-ARS citrus breeding programs and the researchers on this proposed project are engaged, cooperating, and are actively working together on the HLB problem focused on trialing materials together.