University of Delaware researches gene editing solutions to combat citrus greening
Citrus greening is still a disease that is fiercely attacking the U.S. citrus industry’s bottom line. Spread by the invasive Asian citrus psyllid insect, the disease now affects every citrus growing region in the country, costing growers $975 million annually. Once infected, a citrus tree produces small, bitter fruit, helps spread the disease and then dies prematurely.
As the disease is an incredibly serious threat, scientists hope to fight back using gene editing. This technological solution can be applied in multiple ways for example, making citrus trees resistant to disease or reducing the viability of this invasive insect. While these technologies show promise, consumers will have to determine if the technologies are acceptable.
Gene editing solutions
UD researchers analyze consumer preferences for gene edits in the fruit industry
In states such as California and Florida, the $3 billion orange and citrus industry is big business. More than six in ten Americans drop oranges into their grocery carts. And when they peel that orange or drink a glass of juice, they want it to taste sweet.
Enter citrus greening, a disease here to wreck your morning and the U.S. citrus industryâs bottom line. Spread by the invasive Asian citrus psyllid insect, the disease now affects every citrus growing region in the country, costing growers $975 million annually. Once infected, a citrus tree produces small, bitter fruit, helps spread the disease and then dies prematurely.
Milwaukee WI (PRWEB) February 19, 2021 The public may not view gene editing very differently than genetic modification and have an initial response that is