Researchers with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) recently visited Brazil to discuss cooperative efforts with Fundecitrus to develop greening-resistant orange trees. The CIRAD researchers were Raphaël Morillon and Bárbara Hufnagel. CIRAD is an agronomic research and international cooperation organization for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions.
CIRAD maintains a large citrus genomic database on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
“The proposed genetic solutions (to greening) consist of finding resistance within Oceanian citrus genotypes,” said Morillon, the lead researcher for CIRAD. “Therefore, it is very, very important to evaluate this material and see to what extent it can be used in new research programs, whether for rootstocks or new varieties.”
The goal of the research is to identify resistance genes and eventually incorporate them into commercial orange trees. It aims to do that through the use of biotechnology by developing plants capable of recognizing and blocking the action of the bacteria that causes the disease.
In addition, natural defense mechanisms present in wild citrus plants and other species that are resistant to the disease are being studied. “This allows for broad interaction between researchers,” Hufnagel said. “Here at Fundecitrus, we have the opportunity to study cutting-edge science in the areas of genomics and transcriptomics. We put concrete science into practice, which is the search for results directly in the field and the provision of this innovation to citrus growers. We are seeking a sustainable and long-lasting solution to greening by developing resistant varieties.”
“The expectation is that, in the future, resistant varieties will be developed and can be tested on a large scale in the field and made available to producers, paving the way for more sustainable citrus farming that is less dependent on chemical pesticides,” said Fundecitrus researcher Nelson Wulff.
The initiative is part of a long-term strategy to protect Brazilian orchards and ensure the competitiveness of the national citrus industry.
Source: Fundecitrus
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