UF/IFAS has released information on their research concerning HLB-tolerant rootstocks developed in the fight against citrus greening.
“Utilizing tolerant rootstocks to combat HLB is a long-term management strategy that can help sustain productivity and enhance tree survival, especially when implemented alongside other HLB management approaches,” shared a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It shared updates on research into HLB-tolerant rootstocks that have been developed to combat citrus greening in Florida’s citrus industry. See the details.
HLB-Tolerant Rootstocks
According to the article, “Australian limes are tolerant to HLB, and their DNA can be incorporated into HLB-susceptible citrus using conventional breeding methods to enhance tolerance to HLB.” Researchers with UF/IFAS have been working for the last 10 years to cross different Australian lime species to create HLB-tolerant hybrids. The article shared that “Some of the trees exhibit improved tolerance to HLB in the field, and many have remained HLB-negative even in endemic HLB conditions.”
Then “several of these hybrids were rooted in a mist bed, and the resulting trees were grafted with Valencia budwood.” A greenhouse study observed the progression of HLB/citrus greening in the grafted trees. Research results on the HLB-tolerant rootstocks included:
- “A select mandarin × finger lime (MFL1–98) and a HLB-tolerant pummelo × finger lime (PFL2–61) hybrid demonstrated excellent graft success rates and scion vigor, comparable to the Swingle rootstock control.”
- “PCR analysis of the DNA from the Valencia scion revealed a low infection rate in Valencia scions grafted onto these hybrids, and the root tissues of the hybrids remained free of CLas infection.”
The article added that “Field trials using this germplasm are scheduled to examine the impact of these rootstocks on tree growth and fruit quality,” and that if any growers “are interested in assessing any of these germplasms…please reach out to manjul@ufl.edu.”
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