Biotechnological Methods for Building a Better Citrus
Posted August 2025
Researchers: Manjul Dutt, Jude Grosser
Contact: Manjul Dutt, UF/IFAS CREC manjul@ufl.edu
Summary:
The primary objective of this project is to develop solutions that can be rapidly implemented to enhance citrus improvement strategies aimed at combating huanglongbing (HLB). While conventional breeding for resistance remains an ideal long-term goal, fostering tolerance, where citrus plants can survive and produce fruit in HLB-endemic regions, may offer a more immediately practical path. The current project utilizes molecular methods that enable citrus trees to mount an effective defense against HLB by enhancing the plant’s natural immune response, specifically through genetic engineering or genome editing of both scions and rootstocks to boost systemic acquired resistance (SAR)-a plant defense system akin to innate immunity in animals, triggered through the activation of key defense-related genes. In the short term, this project aims to generate populations with increased HLB tolerance. By its conclusion, multiple populations of genetically engineered citrus will have been developed and assessed for their resilience to HLB. Additionally, engineered rootstocks capable of protecting non-engineered scions from HLB will be developed, field tested, and presented for regulatory approval and real-world testing by industry stakeholders.
Take Home Message:
- HLB-tolerant scions and rootstock can be produced by utilizing genome editing or transgenics.
- Field trials will confirm if SAR is a valid strategy for HLB tolerance.
