Provide research on nano-encapsulated insecticides that can be used by the PPQ citrus health response program

Baylor University received a $130,977 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026. The award supports research on nano-encapsulated insecticides for use by the APHIS Citrus Health Response Program to combat Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), the vector of citrus greening disease. The recipient will conduct laboratory assays to evaluate formulations, characterize the structure of encapsulated products, detect transduction throughout citrus plant tissue, and measure toxicity levels against the invasive pest species.

The project will deliver lethal concentration data, technology efficacy assessments, and a pathway for securing regulatory registration of new toxicant products to support field operations and the U.S. citrus industry. Baylor University will collaborate with a cooperating entomologist to complete the structural characterization and toxicity measurement components. This research directly supports the citrus industry's efforts to control an economically significant agricultural pest through innovative nano-encapsulation technology solutions.

The recipient will evaluate formulations using laboratory assays and work with a second cooperator entomologist to CH aracterize the structure of the encapsulated products, detect transduction throughout citrus plan tissue, and measure toxicity to the invasive plant pest diaphorina citri (asian citrus psyllid), the vector of citrus greening disease. The project will provide lethal concentration data to the program, data on technology efficacy, a path for securing registration for securing new toxicant products. PPQ field operations and the US citrus industry are the primary stakeholders for this project.