Quarterly Report 4 (Due 9/30/2023)- Project # 21-025: Transgenic capable field site to assess HLB-resistant and other improved citrus

Quarterly Report 4 (Due 9/30/2023)- Project # 21-025: Transgenic capable field site to assess HLB-resistant and other improved citrus

Report Date: 09/25/2023
Project: 21-025   Year: 2023
Category: Plant Improvement
Author: Matthew Mattia
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them: This quarter, Project #21-025 continued its dedicated efforts towards developing HLB-resistant and improved citrus cultivars to mitigate the detrimental impact of HLB on the Florida citrus industry. The project employed both transgenic and non-transgenic approaches and conducted experiments at the secure field site of the USDA/ARS Picos Research Farm. The primary focus remained on collecting data from ongoing field trials for various HLB-resistant candidates.  To ensure realistic evaluations of candidates’ resistance, the test site received necessary horticultural care and maintained exposure to HLB and psyllids. Additionally, the team adhered rto BRS permits and underwent inspections to uphold regulatory compliance. A significant milestone during this quarter was the hosting of a field day, where researchers and stakeholders were provided with insights into successful trial materials and the data collection processes. Moreover, signage and field markers were updated to enhance collaborator ease and streamline documentation processes. There were over 60 in attendance at this first field day event. 2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:Efforts will also focus on updating transgenic field markers signage and labeling to ensure compliance. Additionally, the project aims to submit a permit to BRS for additional planting in late summer and early fall, enabling further research expansion (Material from Dr. Robert Shatters). Data collection on active trials will continue, with allocated labor for monitoring and permitting to ensure smooth progress. 3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):The project experienced a slight underspend primarily due to complications in hiring USDA personnel and historical underspend trends assoicated with this project. The technition on this project is currently budgeted and continuously working on permitting assoicated improvment of this block for the USDA and cooperators. 4. Please show all potential commercialization products resulting from this research, and the status of each:The research conducted under Project #21-025 has yielded promising results in identifying HLB-resistant transgenic and non-transgenic citrus cultivars. Some of these materials show potential for commercial citrus production, while others  may serve as breeding parents for further improvement in HLB resistance and other commercially significant traits. Data gathered from the field trials will continue to guide the project in advancing the most promising materials to larger trials, ultimately contributing to the development of commercially viable HLB-resistant citrus varieties and safeguarding the Florida citrus industry’s future.  


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