Testing grapefruit trees expressing an anti-NodT antibody for resistance to HLB

Testing grapefruit trees expressing an anti-NodT antibody for resistance to HLB

Report Date: 01/11/2022
Project: 18-016   Year: 2021
Category: Plant Improvement
Author: Tim McNellis
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them: This report covers the period of September 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021.  The objective of this project is to test transgenic ‘Ducan’ grapefruit trees expressing an anti-HLB antibody fused to the FT (Flowering Locus T) protein (FT-scFv protein).  We have inoculation tests completed using graft transmission and Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) transmission of hte pathogen (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, or CLas), and a natural infection trial in a grove at USHRL.  Graduate student Chad Vosburg finalized his data analysis of the field, psyllid, and grafting mediated CLas infections.  His committee approved the final version of his thesis, and Chad is set to graduate in December, 2021.  During the reporting period, he revised and finalized his M.S. thesis document as a draft of a publication of the methods and infection results.   2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:In the next quarter, graduate student Chad Vosberg will graduate (December, 2021).  The PI will start to revise the draft documents created by Chad for submission to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. 3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):This project is underspend partially due to support by the Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology Department for Chad’s stipend and tuition.  In the next several months, the PI will draw part of his salary support from the grant because he is now the primary person revising the manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal for publication in the next quarter.


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