VismaxTM: A novel peptide-based therapeutic for mitigation of citrus diseases, including HLB

VismaxTM: A novel peptide-based therapeutic for mitigation of citrus diseases, including HLB

Report Date: 03/15/2022
Project: 20-015   Year: 2022
Category: Other
Author: Michelle Leslie
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

Vismax technology contains a peptide that directly activates the plant’s immune system, providing broad-spectrum prevention and suppression of a wide range of fungal and bacterial diseases, including Citrus Greening/Huanglongbing (HLB). The objective of the 2-year project is to determine whether Vismax treatment promotes resistance to other major citrus diseases, specifically citrus canker and phytophthora root rot in greenhouse assays. In year 2 of the project, Vismax treated orange trees were significantly more resistant to citrus canker, caustive agent Xanthomonas citri, when the formulated peptide was applied as a dilute foliar spray or soil drench, 7 days prior to leaf inoculation. In year 2 of the project, inoculated greenhouse assays will further probe Vismax-activated defenses, with greenhouse testing conducted by Dr. Megan Dewdney (U. Florida IFAS CREC).  In Year 1 Q4 (Dec 16  2021 – March 15 2022), susceptible orange saplings were obtained and propagated for Canker trial #4. This trial will commence with treatments in Year 2 (Q1), and will include Vismax foliar rate testing with four different surfactants with varied properties (pH, spread index). Protocols are being prepared for subsequent citrus canker and phytophthora root rot trials.   


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