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: 06/15/2022
Project: 20-015C   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 1 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 are being established to further probe Vismax-activated defenses, with greenhouse testing conducted by Dr. Megan Dewdney (U. Florida IFAS CREC).  In Year 2 Q1 (March 16  2022 – June 15 2022), Canker trial #4 was intiatiated with susceptible sweet orange saplings.  The saplings were sprayed with Vismax foliar applications with four different surfactants with varied properties (pH, spread index), in an effort to identify compatible adjuvants that enhance Vismax plant protection activity. The saplings were inoculated and scored, and now this greenhouse trial has been completed. Data is under analysis for future reporting.  Protocols are being prepared for subsequent citrus canker and phytophthora root rot trials in Year 2.   


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