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Florida scientists study new method to combat citrus greening

Published Jan 14, 2025

Tridge summary

Researchers at the University of Florida are developing a genetically modified citrus tree, armed with a gene from the soil bacterium Bt, to combat the Asian psyllid, a key carrier of citrus greening. Although early testing has shown promise against young psyllids, more field trials are planned to evaluate its effectiveness against adults and to further assess its impact on reducing[/INST] reliance on insecticides. This advancement could mark a significant step towards sustaining Florida's citrus industry, which has been severely threatened by citrus greening since its introduction in 2005. The research, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, builds on the success of Bt proteins in protecting other crops from insect pests and aims to provide a sustainable solution for citrus growers to combat the Asian citrus psyllid.
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Original content

Scientists at the University of Florida are researching a new type of tree designed to combat the tiny insects responsible for citrus greening. Although this genetically edited tree has only been tested in the laboratory and greenhouse, it represents one of the most promising advances in addressing a persistent problem that has significantly affected Florida's citrus industry over the past two decades. The innovative method involves inserting a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into the citrus. This gene instructs the plant to produce a protein capable of killing young Asian psyllids, the insects that transmit this disease, the most destructive to citrus. Although this method effectively attacks juvenile psyllids, UF/IFAS researchers are also working on solutions to control adult pests. "Our goal is to implement a sustainable, grower-friendly biotechnology solution that reduces reliance on insecticides," said Lukasz Stelinski, professor of entomology at the ...
Source: MXfruit
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