Objective 1: Assess canker resistance conferred by the PAMP receptors EFR and XA21 Three constructs were used for genetic transformation of Duncan grapefruit and sweet orange as part of a previous grant: EFR, EFR coexpressed with XA21, and EFR coexpressed with an XA21:EFR chimera. Putative transgenics are currently being verified by PCR in the Jones lab, and six PCR positive plants have been identified so far. To ensure that there will be sufficient events to analyze to come to a conclusion about the effectiveness of these genes, we have initiated more transformations in Duncan grapefruit at the Core Citrus Transformation Facility at UF Lake Alfred. EFR, XA21, and XA21 + EFR constructs have been re-created with the inclusion of a GFP marker for confirmation of transformants; selection is underway. In addition, we will add the recently-identified Cold Shock Protein Receptor (CSPR) to the transformation queue. Objective 2: Introduction of the pepper Bs2 disease resistance gene into citrus Constructs have been created in the Staskawicz lab to express Bs2 under the 35S promoter and under a resistance gene promoter from tomato. Constructs have also been created in which Bs2 is co-expressed with other R genes that may serve as accessory factors for Bs2. Constructs with tagged Bs2 have been confirmed to function in transient assays, and protein expression has been confirmed by immunoblot. These constructs have also been transformed into Arabidopsis for analysis, and two constructs have been provided to the Lake Alfred transformation facility, Objective 3: Development of genome editing technologies (Cas9/CRISPR) for citrus improvement The initial target for gene editing is the citrus homolog of Bs5 of pepper. The recessive bs5 resistance allele contains a deletion of two conserved leucines. The citrus Bs5 homolog was sequenced from both Carrizo citrange and Duncan grapefruit, and conserved CRISPR targets were identified. Four CRISPR constructs are being created in the Staskawicz lab: C1) A construct targeting two sites that will produce a 100 bp deletion in Bs5 in both Carrizo and Duncan (the bs5 transgene will be added); C2) A construct targeting a site overlapping the two conserved leucines; C3) C2 with the addition of a bs5 repair template for Carrizo that will not be cut; and C4) C2 with a similar repair template for Duncan grapefruit. The constructs have been tested by co-delivery into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with another construct carrying the targeted DNA from Carrizo or Duncan varieties, and verified to function. To aid in the selection of positive transgenics, we are currently adding a GFP reporter into each CRISPR construct.