Targets and Eliminates D. citri, Preventing the Spread of Citrus Greening Disease, Enabling Environmentally Friendly Citrus Production
This bacterial pesticidal protein is toxic to the Asian citrus psyllid at low concentrations, but does not harm non-target organisms, providing an environmentally friendly, sustainable way to stop the spread of citrus greening. Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid and has been highly detrimental to the citrus industry. In the United States, citrus greening was first detected in Florida in 2005 and has since spread to other major citrus-producing states, including California, Texas, and Georgia, causing substantial damage to the citrus industry, with estimated losses of over $4 billion in Florida alone. The pest has developed resistance to available methods for controlling the psyllid, such as insecticide sprays, which also harm beneficial insects.
University of Florida researchers have discovered a bacterial pesticidal protein that controls the Asian citrus psyllid and further enhanced toxicity by the addition of a peptide-based, gut-binding anchor. Transgenic plant expression of the protein could provide a valuable tool for potentially resolving the significant problem of citrus greening disease.
Application
An optimized bacterial pesticidal protein targeting the Asian citrus psyllid to prevent the spread of citrus greening disease
Advantages
- Targets psyllids responsible for the spread of citrus greening, reducing disease transmission
- The protein is specific and highly potent against the Asian citrus psyllid, providing control of the pest without impacting beneficial insects
- Provides sustainable pest management, promoting crop health
Technology
UF researchers identified the psyllid-active bacterial pesticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis, and increased toxicity by the addition of an Asian citrus psyllid gut-binding peptide. The protein works by binding to specific receptors in the gut of the Asian citrus psyllid, leading to the formation of pores that ultimately cause the death of the insect. This targeted mechanism of action reduces the harm to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects. The protein is novel in its specificity and potency against the Asian citrus psyllid, offering a superior alternative to current pest management strategies, and can be delivered, for example, via transgenic plants or via a phloem-limited virus vector.
Brochure
