Fundecitrus researchers Juan Arenas, Mônica Neli Alves and Sílvio Lopes recently participated in the Conference of the International Organization of Citrus Virologists in Mildura, Australia.
Alves discussed research conducted by Fundecitrus exploring the use of species in the genetic improvement of citrus trees resistant to greening. Lopes presented a comparative overview of greening and citrus variegated chlorosis, two of the world citrus industry’s main diseases.
In addition to the conference, the researchers visited the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Bundaberg Research Station. The QUT is an Australian teaching and research university located in Brisbane. DAF is an Australian government department that supports research in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
The objective of the visit to Australia was to strengthen the partnership already established with DAF, through citrus breeder Malcolm W. Smith, aiming at the development of citrus resistant to the bacteria that causes citrus greening. According to Alves, this partnership is essential, considering that Oceania is the center of origin of the Microcitrus and Eremocitrus species. These species have been previously identified as resistant to the bacteria associated with the presence of greening.
“Since 2021, we have been interacting with teams from Australian institutions due to studies with the Microcitrus and Eremocitrus species, known as finger lime and desert lime,” Alves said. “Studies have shown that these species are less susceptible and, in some cases, resistant to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacteria associated with greening.”
Alves said these species are sexually compatible with commercial citrus fruit (oranges, limes, lemons and tangerines) originating from Asia. “For this reason, they are extremely important materials for the identification of resistance genes and molecular markers to be incorporated into the Fundecitrus genetic improvement program, aiming at a more sustainable and efficient control of the disease,” she said.
Source: Fundecitrus
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