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 to BRS permits and underwent inspections to uphold regulatory compliance. A significant milestone during this quarter was contact with the company Soilcea for the planting of transgenic CRISPR rootstocks and scions at the Picos Transgenic site. We are currently in the paperwork process surrounding this relationship and look forward to having these materials at the Picos transgenic site to sever as an additional location and a valuable evaluation resource. 2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:Efforts will also focus on removing materials that are abandon or no longer being utilized to make way for Soilcea trees. We are hoping to be able to initiate a planting of Soilcea trees by the end of the summer. 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 is currently on tract to be spent down by the end of September 2024. The delays in the initiation of this project have been remedied and the project is moving forward. 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.