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Transgenesis and paratransgenesis tools for the control of the Asian citrus psyllid

Project ID:

5500-217

Principal Investigator:

Omar Akbari

Principal Investigator Affiliation:

University of California, San Diego

Co-Investigators:

  • Richard Stouthamer

Collaborators:

N/A

Start Date:

2018

Estimated Duration:

3 year(s)

Completed Date:

N/A

Annual Funding:

$100,000.00

Huanglongbing (HLB) has the highest economic impact of any citrus disease globally. It was first introduced to the US in Florida where it resulted in an estimated $4.5 billion in revenue loss by 5 years post-introduction. In recent years HLB has been introduced to California (CA) and now poses one of the highest threats to the CA citrus industry. We aim to develop robust CRISPR-based genetic engineering tools for the HLB vector, Diaphorina citri and evaluate these tools in proof of concept genetic D. citri and HLB control strategies. This would be the first successful genetic modification of this pest and would facilitate the development of innovative, cost-effective, insecticide free genetic-based strategies to control HLB.

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