The use of antimicrobials is one of the few effective treatments against HLB in citrus trees. However, penetration of substances into trees is hindered by the presence of protective layers such as the thick cuticle on leaves, and cork on stems. To overcome the obstacles imposed by the cuticle to increase penetration of externally supplied substances, we have successfully tested laser light. Laser light technology involves the use of low level light energy to disperse the cuticle creating microscopic and superficial indentations of approximately 250 �m. In doing so, infiltration of substances into the leaf is greatly enhanced. Once inside the leaf tissue, substances can follow the natural transport pathway through the apoplast, absorbed by phloem cells, and transported throughout the tree. Specific goals are 1. To build and test a more flexible and elaborate laser machine that will allow for more decisive experiments in the greenhouse; 2. Test for the effectiveness of several antimicrobials; 3. Carry out initial field experiments with young trees. The laser machine was ordered, and delivered in early September. The machine was made compatible with UF system and connected to a new computer especially purchased for this purposes. The basic machine is flexible in terms of mobility and capable of adjustments in all three dimensions X, Y and Z. This capability makes it user friendly in the lab as well as in the greenhouse. At the end of the month, we fine tunned the machine in terms of laser energy, laser speed and focal distance. At the end of the reporting period, we had become familiarized with the machine and were ready to do some greenhouse testing.