Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Citrus trees, a significant agricultural asset in the U.S., especially in Florida, are under threat from a disease called Huanglongbing (HLB). This disease not only damages the health of these trees but also poses risks to the citrus industry, which in turn affects the economy and communities. While many solutions have been attempted to combat this disease, finding a consistently effective method remains a challenge. Our project centers around the potential of a natural substance, RejuAgro A (RAA). Preliminary studies suggest that when RAA is applied to the trees, it can boost their defenses against HLB and promote healthier growth. We aim to test and validate the effectiveness of RAA by spraying it on the leaves and injecting it directly into the trunk of the trees. By applying RAA in these ways, we can bring a significant positive change to the citrus industry, helping not only the farmers but also ensuring that citrus products remain abundant and affordable for consumers. If successful, our approach can be a game-changer for communities that rely on citrus farming and can also contribute to a healthier environment by reducing the need for potentially harmful chemicals.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
40%
Developmental
30%
Goals / Objectives
The primary goal of our project is to assess the effectiveness of natural metabolite RejuAgro A (RAA), both alone and in combination with oxytetracycline (OTC), in controlling Huanglongbing (HLB)--a disease that currently threatens citrus production with limited management options. By evaluating RAA's impact on HLB severity, fruit drop, yield, and juice quality, we aim to not only address the pressing challenges faced by citrus growers but also promote sustainable agriculture by reducing dependence on clinical antibiotics. This research aligns with priority #4 in the ECDRE program for FY 2023, focusing on developing a cure for HLB-infected trees and strategies to maintain their productivity.The objectives of the project are:Objective 1: Determine the effectiveness of RAA in suppressing HLB and enhancing citrus plant defense response through foliar spray. This involves:Identifying the most effective application rate and frequency for HLB control using foliar spray.Evaluating the impacts of different RAA concentrations and application frequencies based on observed changes in CLas titer in affected leaves and new growth induction.Objective 2: Ascertain the optimal rate of RAA for HLB control via trunk injection. This encompasses:Evaluating the efficacy of RAA (alone and in combination with OTC) in managing HLB through trunk injection methods.Investigating the potential synergistic effect of combined RAA and OTC applications.Objective 3: Conduct extensive field trials in Florida to:Assess the long-term effectiveness of varying RAA concentrations and application frequencies through foliar spray or trunk injection.Analyze the impact of RAA on key indicators such as HLB severity, fruit drop, yield, juice quality, and PR gene expression levels.Understand the optimal rate and frequency of RAA application, either alone or in combination with OTC, for the most effective HLB management.Objective 4: Enhance stakeholder engagement with a focus on extension and educational activities. This goal includes:Conducting cooperative extension initiatives.Engaging directly with the citrus industry, growers, and nurseries.Participating in key extension events and distributing reports in trade publications and newsletters.Disseminating knowledge, insights, and products through online platforms, including a dedicated project webpage
Project Methods
Given the nature of the project and its objectives, the results will be analyzed, evaluated, and interpreted using a combination of statistical tools, experimental controls, and baseline comparisons. Here's how the results from each objective will be handled:Objective 1 (RAA's role via foliar spray):HLB Severity and CLas titers: The disease severity scores and CLas titers from qPCR will be statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA to determine the significance of the RAA treatments versus the control. Post-hoc Tukey tests will be used to differentiate between individual treatments.Gene Expression: Changes in PR gene expression will be normalized to a housekeeping gene, and relative gene expression will be quantified. A t-test will then determine the significance of any observed changes.Phloem Health and Oxidative Stress Parameters: Data related to phloem health and oxidative stress markers will be compared across treatments.Tree Growth: Differences in tree growth before and after treatments will be compared to determine the effect of RAA on overall plant health.Objective 2 (RAA rate for trunk injection):Trunk Injection Efficacy: Similar to Objective 1, the effectiveness of trunk injection treatments in controlling HLB will be determined, by comparing disease severity scores and CLas titers from treated versus untreated plants.Combined RAA and OTC Effect: We will evaluate the combined effect of RAA and OTC, analyzing the interactions between the two treatments.Objective 3 (Large-scale field trials):Field Trial Analysis: For the field trials, disease severity will be evaluated using the Standardized Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (SAUDPC) and compared across treatments using ANOVA.Yield Analysis: Marketable yield and gross income return data will be analyzed to discern the treatment effects on productivity.Juice Quality: Data will be analyzed, determining any potential impacts on the juice quality parameters.RAA Residues: The HPLC-generated data regarding RAA concentration will be analyzed to derive a correlation between RAA concentrations in tissues and observed HLB control levels.Objective 4 (Stakeholder Engagement):Feedback Analysis: Feedback and responses from stakeholders, growers, and industry professionals will be collated, categorized, and subjected to qualitative analysis.Engagement Metrics: The effectiveness of the engagement strategy will be assessed by tracking participation numbers in workshops, downloads of digital materials, website visits, and feedback forms received. Metrics will be analyzed using descriptive statistics to understand the project's outreach success.