Grant Information
| Knowledge Area | Subject of Investigation | Field of Science | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants | 920 - Orange | 1080 - Genetics (excludes breeding) | 40% |
| 203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants | 999 - Citrus, general/other | 1160 - Pathology | 30% |
| 204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest) | 910 - Grapefruit | 1000 - Biochemistry and biophysics | 30% |
The project includes four components with interrelated objectives: 1) Develop promising supersour rootstocks through sexual hybridization, screening and selection of progeny, and long term field trials; 2) Improve disease resistance of citrus through manipulation of Poncirus-related defense genes; 3) Produce and test transgenic rootstocks; 4) Evaluate high grafting as a management strategy for HLB disease control.
The project includes four components with interrelated objectives: 1) Develop promising supersour rootstocks through sexual hybridization, screening and selection of progeny, and long term field trials; 2) Improve disease resistance of citrus through manipulation of Poncirus- related defense genes; 3) Produce and test transgenic rootstocks; 4) Evaluate high grafting as a management strategy for HLB disease control. This research is related to inhouse objective 1. Create new genetic combinations of citrus germplasm via conventional breeding, mutation, and transformation, to include rootstock and scion development and evaluation for essential traits of disease resistance and horticultural qualities. A field trial with new supersour rootstocks was planted at a site in Indian River County and will be used to evaluate trees for tolerance of Diaprepes, Phytophthora, and huanglongbing. Rootstock liners were budded in preparation for planting in three new rootstock field trials later this year. Several thousand propagations of supersour rootstocks were prepared for budding and use in field trials. Cooperative work continued with a commercial nursery to multiply promising supersour rootstocks to prepare trees for medium-scale commercial plantings. Work continues to assess supersour tolerance of citrus tristeza virus, salinity, and calcareous soils.