The University of Florida (UF) Division of Sponsored Research was awarded a $1,435,198 Project Grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program on December 15, 2024. The grant supports research and extension activities to develop technologies that kill the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and prevent transmission of Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease in citrus groves. Key objectives include:
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Defining the toxicity and antifeedant activity of potassium channel (KIR) inhibitors against ACP through laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies.
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Quantifying the ability of KIR inhibitors to prevent acquisition and transmission of the citrus greening bacteria by ACP through lab and semi-field assays.
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Developing methods to enable systemic movement of the KIR inhibitors throughout citrus plants.
The project involves collaboration with Texas A&M University-Kingsville, which received a $250,000 sub-award to conduct field trials and grower outreach on incorporating the KIR inhibitor technologies into area-wide ACP management strategies in Texas. The research aims to restore citrus production in Florida and protect groves at-risk for HLB in other citrus-growing regions.
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