Growers association Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) on April 28 called the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of Soilcea’s CarriCea™ T1 citrus rootstock registration “a major milestone.”
According to FCM, CarriCea™ T1 is a first-of-its-kind citrus rootstock designed to tolerate citrus greening disease. It works by precisely editing the rootstock’s own genes, disrupting the bacterium that causes greening from interacting with the plant and, therefore, limiting the tree’s infection.
The rootstock was developed by scientists at the University of Florida.
“The EPA’s approval begins a new era in the citrus industry’s recovery after roughly two decades of decline and significant investment in research for a cure,” FCM stated. “It also allows the new CarriCea™ T1 rootstock to be planted ahead of the 2026–27 citrus season. Fruit produced by the new rootstock is indiscernible from fruit produced by other citrus rootstocks.”
“The newly approved rootstock puts another safe, innovative tool into the hands of citrus growers, reducing pesticide spraying and reliance on imports and bolstering the nation’s citrus production and economic growth,” FCM added.
“Florida’s citrus growers are celebrating the EPA’s approval of Soilcea’s CarriCea T1 rootstock and its promise of disease management to strengthen production and preserve our state’s iconic citrus industry,”said FCM Board President Kevin Koppelman.“This innovative tool for growers is giving our industry renewed confidence in the future as we work to recover and rebuild.”
“Florida’s citrus growers appreciate the EPA and Administrator Zeldin’s leadership in delivering this tool, and our state and federal elected officials for supporting citrus research and innovation,”said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and chief executive officer of FCM.“CarriCea™ T1 is the first look at citrus trees of the future, helping reduce input costs and strengthening the resilience of Florida’s citrus industry. Developed right here in Florida for Florida growers, this innovation has the potential to transform the global citrus industry.”
According to FCM, broad implementation of the rootstock will take time, but its approval marks a turning point — encouraging renewed investment and reinforcing confidence in the future of Florida’s signature crop.
Source: FCM
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