Apply For Funding

Apply for Citrus Research Funding

RFP – GAME-CHANGERS

The purpose of this CRDF request for proposals (RFP) is to solicit research projects that have the potential to dramatically improve tree health or dramatically increase fruit yield and quality in HLB affected trees.  Proposals which are anticipated to provide only incremental benefit to growers do not satisfy the purpose of this call; there are other CRDF funding opportunities for proposals such as those.  Proposals should be hypothesis-driven, knowledge-building research projects, the results of which will lead to near-term solutions to HLB. Researchers are encouraged to submit projects that are narrow in scope and which seek to answer single questions.

Additional details and full instructions can be found at the following link: RFP-Announcement for Game-changers (posted 12-22-2022)

Gamechanger Pre-proposals Invited to Submit Full Proposals:  Game-changer RFP_Preproposals Invited to Submit Full Proposals

Deng, Zhanao, UF/IFAS GREC, ‘ Evaluating Novel Gene-edited Duncan Grapefruit Mutants for Resistance to Huanglongbing (HLB),’ #23-001

Qureshi, Jawwad, UF/IFAS, ‘Maximizing HLB Suppression and Grove Sustainability Through Oxytetracycline Trunk Injections Integrated with Established Crop Protection and Horticultural Strategies,’ #23-002

Wang, Nian, UF/IFAS CREC, ‘Optimization of the non-transgenic citrus genome editing technology to generate HLB resistant/tolerant citrus cultivars,’ #23-003

Detailed instructions for completing your Full Proposal are outlined in the Gamechangers RFP-Announcement . Full proposals are due by the 5:00 pm EST on Monday, April 10, 2023.

Thank you to all who submitted a pre-proposal in response to this RFP.

 

Game-changer Preproposals Invited to Submit Full ProposalsCitrus trees and crops face serious threats from infectious diseases, especially citrus greening disease or huanglongbing (HLB). This disease reduces production and destroys the economic value of fruit. The spread and cause of HLB are associated with a phloem-feeding insect (Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri) and a fastidious bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus). The Citrus Research and Development Foundation established the Citrus Advanced Technology Program (CATP) to search internationally for solutions to HLB, citrus canker and other critical Florida citrus diseases through sponsored research. Projects address research that contributes to short-to-intermediate term solutions as well as longer-term solutions to these diseases. Product delivery and commercialization of solutions falls within the goals of CRDF, as does communication of progress and results to stakeholders. CRDF supports competitively awarded projects for up to 3 years through an annual request cycle. New research initiatives should complement the existing portfolio of research projects listed in CRDF Currently Funded Projects and currently summarized in the progress reports.

Those interested in submitting applications for consideration can review the current priorities for this program. The National Academy 23 Recommendations for the Florida Citrus Industry areas of expertise are further grouped into 13 Categories of HLB Research .

Funding Forms

Next Steps for Applicants:

Full proposals may be ineligible for review and funding if:

  • The applicant was not on the list of pre-proposals invited to submit a full proposal
  • The Full Proposal was not received by the deadline indicated in the instructions
  • Formatting guidelines (font size, page limitations, page/line numbering, etc.) were not followed, or,
  • Any of the required documents are missing (cover sheet, budget information, report on prior funded project, etc.).