Genetic engineering may offer a solution to the deadly Huanglongbing disease (also known as citrus greening and HLB) that is ravaging the citrus industry.
The Fresno Bee's Robert Rodriguez reports on the issue. "Scientists and researchers, who spoke at California Citrus Mutual's 2014 Citrus Showcase in Visalia (California), said genetic engineering may not be the sole solution to stopping the disease, but it can be a valuable option," he writes.
Certain citrus varieties have shown resistance to the disease. If researchers can isolate those traits, they may be able to engineer citrus that is HLB resistant. Growers would need to overcome several obstacles to fully explore the genetic modification option, including a whirpool of public sentiment against certain gentically modified crops, Rodriguez says.
To see Rodriguez's full report click here.
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