New Rootstocks in the Citrus Breeding Pipeline

Abstract

The UF/CREC and USDA/ARS citrus rootstock breeding programs have identified several rootstocks that can currently be planted with confidence when combined with appropriate scions, including mid- and late-season oranges, and grown with emerging enhanced nutrition programs. New websites with valuable information and data from historic and ongoing field trials are now available: UF/CREC: https://citrusresearch.ifas.ufl.edu/rootstock-field-data/ : and USDA/ARS: https://citrusrootstocks.org . We are also working hard to develop the next generation of rootstocks, that will allow for sustainable and profitable citriculture with any commercial scions, including more HLB-susceptible early oranges, grapefruits, and even ‘Honey’ Murcotts. The key to success is screening a tremendous amount of genetic diversity and identifying patterns in rootstock hybrids that can transmit their tolerance/resistance through the graft union to mitigate or prevent the disease in any grafted scion. This would be the ultimate solution to the HLB problem worldwide.

Peer reviewed through UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center; published in Citrus Industry Magazine.