Researchers closer to curing citrus canker (2014)

Researchers in Florida are a step closer to finding a possible cure for citrus canker.

citrus canker 24620163-bg1.jpg

Researchers in Florida are a step closer to finding a possible cure for citrus canker. Citrus canker is a highly contagious plant disease and spreads rapidly by wind, rain, and irrigation.

Scientists at the Institute of Food and Ag Sciences at the University of Florida have identified a gene that makes citrus trees susceptible to the bacterial pathogen.

In Florida, the last extensive canker outbreak was in 1995, which cost the state’s citrus industry more than a billion dollars.

Related Stories
FarmHer Morgan Flowers combines her legal background with a love for cheese making at Flowers Creamery in Ethridge, Tennessee.
FarmHER Debra Lockard joined us Friday on the Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming show episode, which premieres on Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 PM ET, only on RFD-TV!
Meet FarmHER Debra Lockard, a third-generation Tennessee produce grower who splits her time running two farms in West Tennessee and teaching ag classes that promote sustainable farming practices in her Memphis community.
FarmHER Janet Dennison joins us live on the Market Day Report for an interview before her new episode premiere on Tuesday.
Kentucky Flower FarmHER Janet Dennison’s retirement project flourished into a thriving business, Mammoth Cave Transplants, in Kentucky. Learn about it and the beautiful ornamental plants she grows in this new episode of FarmHER.
Poultry FarmHER Cynthia Capers joined us Monday on the Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode on the new season of FarmHER.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Louisiana cotton crop is the smallest on record, but strong yields are a silver lining. LSU AgCenter’s Craig Gautreaux reports from northeast Louisiana.
Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.
NEFB President Mark McHargue provides an update from the Husker State, where farmers are working hard to bring in one of the largest harvests in recent years.
Todd Miller, CEO of Head Honchos, shares about his business offering to ease agricultural labor shortages.
The National FFA Organization hosts the Washington Leadership Conference, where thousands of FFA members gather to learn how to be change makers in their communities.
Having a good read on fuel prices is a must during harvest, but one analyst says grain farmers should also be watching the crude oil markets.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.