In a landmark step in the fight against citrus greening disease, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Southern Gardens Citrus’ application for an Experimental Use Permit under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, according to AgriLife Today.
Research conducted by Dr. Erik Mirkov, a plant pathologist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco, resulted in the production of spinach proteins, which appear to provide effective control of citrus greening disease.
Dale Murden, interim president of Texas Citrus Mutual in Mission, a citrus growers’ cooperative, said the EPA’s decision is exciting news.
“We feel this will be beneficial to the citrus industry worldwide,” Murden said.