Australian fruit could save citrus

Published 2023년 5월 16일

Tridge summary

Researchers at the University of Queensland are sequencing the genome of the Australian round lemon and studying five other native citrus species to identify genes that provide resistance to Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening. This disease is a major problem for citrus growers in many areas, including the United States and Africa, and there is currently no permanent solution. The researchers hope to incorporate these resistance genes into commercial citrus varieties, with the first step being to identify them in Australian citrus. The sequencing of plant genomes will provide a new platform for genetic improvements and better production management.

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Original content

Researchers at the University of Queensland have sequenced the genome of the Australian round lemon, also known as the Gympie lemon, and are now looking at five other native citrus species, including the lemon. Doctor candidate Upuli Nakandala said the work aims to identify a gene that provides resistance to Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as "citrus greening", that can be incorporated into commercial citrus varieties. “Citrus australis is recognized as resistant to HLB, which is why we placed it at the top of our list,” said Nakandala. “HLB is a major problem for citrus growers in many growing areas, including California and Florida in the United States and in Africa. HLB is not currently present in Australia. People have tried to control this disease using chemicals and other methods, but there has been no permanent solution. One available option is to develop resistant cultivars, and the first step towards this is to identify these important resistance genes in Australian ...

Source: Agrolink