Australia: Citrus sequencing could develop Huanglongbing resistant varieties

RESISTANCE to the dreaded citrus greening disease may only be a gene away. Australian scientists have mapped the genome of a native lime species which is resistant to Huanglongbing (HLB), with hopes identifying the appropriate gene could lead to its incorporation into commercial varieties. University of Queensland researchers have been working with the Australian round lime, also known as the Gympie lime, and are now looking at five other native citrus species including the finger lime. PhD candidate Upuli Nakandala said the species Citrus australis was recognised as HLB-resistant so it became the first candidate for sequencing. "HLB is a huge problem for citrus growers across a number of growing areas including California and Florida in the United States and in Africa," Ms Nakandala said. Australia currently remains free of HLB. "People have been trying to control this disease using chemicals and other methods but there's been no permanent solution," Ms Nakandala said. "One ...