We have found that cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) can be used to deliver molecular ‘cargo’ (e.g. protein or DNA) into a variety of plant tissues, including those of citrus. However, to date, stable genetic transformation with CPPs but without the use of Agrobacterium-based DNA sequences has not been achieved in citrus. The Foundation wanted us to concentrate on this specific objective due to the considerable regulatory issues surrounding the use of such bacterial sequences in transgenic plants. Fortunately, since we began this project, there have been a number of new genetic developments. Targeted DNA modification, or ‘gene-editing’, methods such as Zinc Fingers and TALEN technology have been developed. However, the most recent and exciting developments have been with the CRISPR/Cas system. This system not only allows for very precise, targeted gene editing, but gene over-expression or repression is also possible. Further, the CRISPR/Cas system is simpler to engineer than other available systems, and less likely to have nonspecific binding or to recombine out. Finally, this methodology will satisfy the main objective, which should allow engineering of citrus without the use of inserted non-native (e.g. bacterial) DNA sequences. We hope that the CRISPR/Cas system will allow transgenic plants to be free from regulatory issues (although, the USDA still has this under consideration). This quarter, we have concentrated on designing CRISPR/Cas vectors for use with CPPs and citrus tissue. This is still underway.