Could trees developed with gene-editing technology protect Florida's citrus industry?

Sep 18, 2026 · Catherine Welch

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Could trees developed with gene-editing technology protect Florida's citrus industry?

Guy Davies, an inspector for the Florida Division of Plant Industry, checks an orange tree for the insect Asian citrus psyllid that carries the bacterium causing disease,

A bacterial infection is wiping out Florida's citrus trees. Growers hope a rootstock developed with gene-editing technology could keep the disease at bay.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)