Florida Citrus Growers Enduring Ultimate Stress Test [Opinion]
December 21, 2015 
What if the key to putting an end to HLB’s stranglehold on the state’s citrus industry was already in hand, but it’s just not being turned?
With each and every introduction of possible solutions for HLB, the anxiety level of concerned growers ramps up a little more. The current list of potential remedies rising to the top include bactericides, biocontrols, nanotechnology, thermotherapy, tolerant roostocks/scions, and even a GMO citrus tree. Each have been vetted and trialed to some extent, but nothing has yet been anointed the chosen one.
Florida Grower® magazine recently polled its citrus grower audience to gather vital feedback for its annual citrus survey. Some of the most telling results came from the question: “What will provide the most immediate and effective solutions to HLB?” The majority response — which was not too much of a surprise — went in favor of bactericides. Nearly 75% of responses labeled that choice in the “Most Effective/Immediate” as well as “Effective/Immediate” categories.
The next possible solution finding favor with pollsters? A GMO citrus tree.
Do You Want Mustard With That?
Recently, a report came out revealing UF/IFAS researchers had developed genetically modified citrus trees that show enhanced resistance to HLB, and have the potential to resist canker and black spot, too.
The research involved using a gene isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana, a member of the mustard plant family, to create the new trees.
Experiments have yielded trees that exhibit enhanced resistance to HLB, reduced disease severity, and even several trees that remained disease-free after three years of planting in a field with a high number of sick trees.
Add this scientific progress to the previous work already done using spinach genes, and you have a strong case for putting this kind of biotechnology to work in commercial groves.
Unfortunately, the highly divisive nature of GMOs still puts this possible solution several years out. However, if polls and surveys are any indication, perhaps the thought of a GMO citrus tree is becoming less of an aversion.
Last March, Florida Grower posed the question to GrowingProduce.com visitors: “Do you think a GMO citrus tree will be the ultimate solution for HLB?” It resulted in nearly a stalemate (51% Yes vs. 49% No). That same poll question was recently re-introduced to readers. This time, there was a much more decisive tilt toward Yes.
Receptive To Tolerance
Earlier this month, to help fill the need for disease-resistant rootstocks, USDA’s US-1516 was officially released for commercial use in Florida groves.
According to USDA researchers, the major positives of US-1516 are induction of superior tree health, fruit productivity, and good fruit quality on sweet orange trees infected with HLB.
Sounds like a winner. It’s hard to believe this rootstock has been growing in test plots here since 1976.
While this release is a step in the right direction, it’s just one in many necessary to save our citrus. The push to turn possibility into reality needs to start today. If not, there won’t be a tomorrow.
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