2017 ASHS Annual Conference

For the past five years the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) has led a diverse group of scientists in an ambitious effort to create an option to replace existing psyllid populations with a population of insects incapable of spreading HLB disease. This project is the first nationally coordinated program grant from the National Institutes of Food and Agriculture with this type of technology mission. Novel methods of controlling insects that spread disease have been pioneered for human health. Our team has sought to apply several of these tools of biotechnology to agriculture thereby creating HLB interventions that are ultimately based on biological control methods. If these solutions are successful, they are likely to be among the most cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable choices available. A background on the origin and structure of this “nuPsyllid” project and an overview of the outcomes will be presented. Barriers in the development of disease management intervention using these strategies will be identified and recommendations will include areas of future research emphasis.