Industry Funding University Citrus Disease Research

(Agricultural Research Service/USDA)

Coca-Cola and Cutrale Citrus Juices said today at that they have each pledged $1.5 million to the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville for research into citrus fruit diseases. The Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), a direct support organization of UF, will manage the funding from the two companies and the research program.

The research is aimed at eliminating the threat of Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), a disease commonly known as “greening.” HLB is one of the most destructive diseases of citrus crops, debilitating the productive capacity of citrus trees. The USDA says the HLB bacterium was detected in the United States for the first time in 2005. Tiny, winged insects known as psyllids spread the microbe.

The CRDF’s 13-member board of directors is made up of representatives from the citrus industry, academia and government. The group uses a scientific advisory board to identify research priorities and gaps in citrus greening research.

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