NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a new citrus rootstock designed to help trees defend themselves against citrus greening, giving growers another tool against one of the industry’s biggest threats. The decision comes as Florida citrus production remains near historic lows after years of disease pressure.
The product, called CarriCea T1, is a citrus rootstock that uses precise edits to the tree’s own genes rather than adding DNA from other organisms. EPA said the rootstock helps disrupt the interaction between the citrus plant and the bacteria that cause greening.
That matters in the grove because stronger plant defenses could reduce dependence on conventional sprays. EPA said the new tool may help growers manage citrus greening with fewer chemical applications while protecting yields and productive acreage.
The backdrop is severe. EPA said greening has destroyed more than 90 percent of Florida citrus production over the past two decades, and USDA reported the 2024-2025 Florida crop was the smallest since the 1919-1920 season.
EPA said fruit produced from the new rootstock will be indistinguishable from fruit grown on other rootstocks. The agency also said it completed a dietary safety review under its plant-incorporated protectant framework before granting approval.
Farm-Level Takeaway: EPA’s approval gives citrus growers a new disease-fighting tool at a time when production losses remain severe.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
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