Science for Citrus Health

The bacterium that causes huanglongbing (HLB), Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), enters a citrus tree either through grafts or when the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) feeds.

Citrus trees emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or odors, that are the end products of plant metabolism. Researchers can measure the VOCs emitted by a plant and create an odorprint.

The particle films are applied to crops to manage environmental challenges like high heat or sunburn, or manage pests, such as aphids or psyllids. Particle films can reduce infestations because the particle films hide the natural plant colors that help some insects find their plant host.

The summer issue of Citrograph has just been released, and our outreach project has been featured.

Canines have a highly sensitive scent detection capability that is significantly better (parts per trillion) than most laboratory instruments and they can be trained to alert (either sit or lay) when they detect specific smells' (known as scent signatures).