Citrus trees emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or odors, that are the end products of plant metabolism. Researchers can measure the VOCs emitted by a plant and create an “odorprint”. Pathogens, such as the bacterium CLas that causes huanglongbing (HLB), affect plant metabolism and alter the odor profile of the plant. Thus, the odor profile can be used to detect HLB-infected trees.

What happens once an odorprint shows the presence of HLB? Visit the Research Snapshot to learn more.

 

 

 

About Research Snapshots

We have developed short, descriptions of research projects that aim to help in the fight against HLB. These projects include traditional breeding and genetic engineering to create resistant citrus varieties, psyllid modification, using other organisms to deliver HLB-resistance genes, and early detection of the bacterium in trees.

The particle films are applied to crops to manage environmental challenges like high heat or sunburn, or manage pests, such as aphids or psyllids.  Particle films can reduce infestations because the particle films hide the natural plant colors that help some insects find their plant host.

How are particle films being used to help fight against huanglongbing (HLB)? Visit the Research Snapshot page to learn more:  https://ucanr.edu/sites/scienceforcitrushealth/Research_Snapshots/Vincent 

About Research Snapshots

We have developed short, descriptions of research projects that aim to help in the fight against HLB. These projects include traditional breeding and genetic engineering to create resistant citrus varieties, psyllid modification, using other organisms to deliver HLB-resistance genes, and early detection of the bacterium in trees.

The summer issue of Citrograph has just been released, and our outreach project has been featured. Written by Sara García-Figuera, the article discusses our approach for educating citrus stakeholders, researchers, media and the general public about the nationwide technologies being developed to combat the devastating citrus disease – huanglongbing (HLB). Read more about all the tools available to growers and the general public at http://www.citrusresearch.org/uncategorized/citrograph-summer-2019/#more-8369 (pages 28-30)

Canines have a highly sensitive scent detection capability that is significantly better (parts per trillion) than most laboratory instruments and they can be trained to “alert” (either sit or lay) when they detect specific ‘smells' (known as scent signatures). Most people are familiar with their ability to detect bombs, drugs, and plant material at airports.  However, canines are also used to detect agricultural pests and diseases. 

For the past 5 years in Florida, researchers have been training and evaluating the efficacy of canines for detecting “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas), the bacterium that causes huanglongbing (HLB) and CLas detection efforts with canines have recently begun in California. 

How can these dogs help in the fight against huanglongbing (HLB)? Visit the Research Snapshot page to learn more: https://ucanr.edu/sites/scienceforcitrushealth/Research_Snapshots/Gottwald/

 

About Research Snapshots

We have developed short, descriptions of research projects that aim to help in the fight against HLB. These projects include traditional breeding and genetic engineering to create resistant citrus varieties, psyllid modification, using other organisms to deliver HLB-resistance genes, and early detection of the bacterium in trees.