Finding new HLB therapies: A grove-first approach

Authors: Niedz, Randall; LOCATELLI, GUILHERME - University Of Florida; Larson, Nicholas; ROSSI, LORENZO - University Of Florida; COCHRAN, ELLEN - University Of Florida; Heck, Michelle

Submitted to: Citrus Industry
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/2023
Publication Date: 1/1/2024
Citation: Niedz, R.P., Locatelli, G., Larson, N.R., Rossi, L., Cochran, E., Heck, M.L. Finding new HLB therapies: A grove-first approach. Citrus Industry. 2024. 105/8-11.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed an idea to bypass lab assays and test molecules directly in the field for their ability to solve HLB. As part of a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant (2020-70029-33176), they built a collaborative team including researchers in ARS, the University of Florida, and other partners to field test 88 different molecules to identify those that can rejuvenate HLB-infected trees back to economic productivity. None of these molecules have been tested using a laboratory assay. Why? Because it is unknown how useful lab assays are for accurately predicting how well a treatment will work in the field. There is only one assay known that can definitively determine if a molecule or treatment works, and that assay is treating an HLB-infected tree in the field and observing the horticultural rejuvenation of the tree. Field testing of molecules, products, and technologies to solve HLB is arguably the single most valuable research resource for solving this problem. If a product or technology does not result in the horticultural rejuvenation of a tree, then it does not work. This is the ‘Grove-First’ approach. Preliminary results on the 88 molecules show 18 molecules with effects equal or better than oxytetracycline, the current standard in the citrus industry to control HLB.