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Green Orchard

Current Citrus Research

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Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most important disease of citrus. It has devastated the Florida citrus industry and has become established in Southern California residential areas.  

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Microbiome

Microbes can provide a range of benefits to the host. Our research focuses on identifying cultural practices that support the beneficial microbiome associated with citrus. 

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C.U.P.S.

Citrus Under Protective Screen (a.k.a. CUPS) has become an alternative practice to grow citrus under abiotic and biotic stresses.  Our research looks at the benefits of CUPS for CA citrus

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Disease Resistant Rootstock

A healthy root system is key to orchard longevity and productivity. Our group evaluates if resistance of HLB-resistant rootstocks hybrids developed at the USDA-ARS in Florida are also resistant against common soilborne pathogens of citrus. 

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Nanotechnologies

 Developing nanomaterials has shown promises for agricultural use. Our research is looking at formulating anti-CLas nanoparticles for scalable and targeted in situ delivery to effectively manage HLB.

Current Grapevine Research

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Pierce's disease is caused by a xylem-limited pathogenic bacterium. The introduction to California of the insect Glassy Winged Sharpshooter vector poses a great threat to the grape industry. 

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Microbiome

Grapevine has become a model system to study the microbiome living of the surface of vines. We aim to study the origin and assemblage of the endophytic microbiome and its impact on 'terroir'.  

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Trunk disease is a chronic problem to vineyards and is caused by several endemic fungal pathogens with broad host and geographical range. This disease reduces vineyard productivity and longevity.

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Cultural Practices

We study how cultural practices in nursery and vineyard, impact  vine performance and disease outcome. This research help with the development  guidelines to support grapevine sustainability and productivity.

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