REON: A Web-Based Platform for Actionable Huanglongbing Research
Posted August 2025
Researchers: Megan Dewdney, Neil McRoberts, Mike Hill, Tolulope Agunbiade, Sebastian Galindo, Lauren Diepenbrock, Tripti Vashisth, Yu Wang
Contact: Megan Dewdney, UF/IFAS CREC mmdewdney@ufl.edu
Summary:
Huanglongbing (HLB) continues to threaten citrus production in the United States, particularly in Florida, Texas, and California. Although substantial research has been conducted to understand and manage the disease, the resulting information is often fragmented, highly technical, and not easily accessible to growers or other stakeholders. This disconnect makes it difficult for the citrus industry to practically apply research findings and to make informed, science-based decisions. To address this challenge, REON (Research and Extension Output Network) is creating a centralized, web-based platform that compiles and organizes USDA-funded HLB research. The first phase of the project involves identifying and analyzing the outputs of USDA-funded grants. Initial findings indicate a strong focus on long-term, theoretical research, with less emphasis placed on short term, practical solutions such as antimicrobial treatments and nutritional management strategies. At the same time, a grower advisory committee, from Florida, Texas, and California, is involved in shaping the platform to ensure it is useful, relevant, and aligned with growers’ needs. The final product will include both technical research and practical summaries, along with Extension materials designed to support real-world decision making. By making HLB research more transparent, accessible, and actionable, REON aims to support the entire citrus community. This initiative will help growers and other stakeholders develop effective, science-based strategies to manage HLB and build resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. Interested in the project? Contact Ulianova Vidal- Gomez at vidalgomezu@ufl.edu. Your input is key!
Take Home Message:
- REON is building a web platform to centralize USDA-funded HLB research.
- Most research focuses on long-term solutions; practical tools are limited.
- Growers help guide the project to ensure it meets real-world needs.
