Photosynthate-responsive polymeric nanocarriers for phloem-specific delivery in the treatment of HLB

Phloem-limited pathogens present tremendous problems in citrus crops, most notably in trees infected with citrus HLB. We expect the results of this research to dramatically transform the potential for chemical delivery in agriculture, most specifically for the treatment of phloem-limited pathogens in citrus. This approach will significantly reduce the amount of antibiotics and nutrients needed in agricultural formulations because these active compounds will be released specifically at the site where they are needed, thereby minimizing wasteful exposure to other areas of the plant (and surrounding soil) that may result in phytotoxicity and enhanced microbial resistance to the antibiotics.