Recently, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) reported research on the development of a new type of citrus tree that can fight off the HLB-spreading Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). The genetically modified tree has only been tested in the lab and the greenhouse, but the research looks promising.
The approach involves inserting a gene into a citrus tree that produces a protein that can kill young ACPs. That gene normally occurs in a soil-borne bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The use of Bt has long been used in row crops like cotton and corn to protect against certain pests.
While the citrus Bt research is promising, the story was picked up by (non-agricultural) media and was portrayed as a “cure” for HLB that was right around the corner. Michael Rogers, director of the UF/IFAS Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida, addressed this during the January 2025 All In For Citrus podcast.
He wanted to set proper expectations about the Bt research and potential timeframes. He noted, assuming that the research progressed well, it could be up to five to eight years before it could be available to growers.
“This looks great in the greenhouse, but we really need to get it out into the field to see how it does in real-world conditions,” Rogers said. “That’s what the researchers are doing right now, getting more plants into the field. And we’ll probably need at least three years of field data to show how these plants perform in terms of ACP control, how much HLB is reduced in the trees and if there is any resistance developing. And how do the plants perform (agronomically)?
“I say all this to be sure growers understand that this is not far enough along to be making business decisions on right now. But we want to be sure folks are aware the research is moving forward.”
Also in the January episode of All In For Citrus, UF/IFAS researchers who spoke during the recent Citrus Nutrition Day provide a recap of the event.
The podcast is a partnership between UF/IFAS and AgNet Media. Listen to the January 2025 episode here.
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