Integrated Plant Genetics

Disease Block®

The technical foundations of IPG's DiseaseBlock® and Freedom-to-Operate technologies consist of four patent applications (pending). The DiseaseBlock® technology provides a spray treatment against citrus greening disease, and is currently under development.

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus "greening" disease is caused by phloem-limited, uncultured bacteria in the genus Candidatus Liberibacter. HLB is one of the most destructive diseases of citrus worldwide (1), and was considered so dangerous to U.S. citrus production that the disease agent was listed as a USDA Select Agent, or potential bioterrorist agent(2), until the disease became widespread in Florida, now affecting every county where citrus is commercially grown.

IPG's Disease Block® technology, which is co-owned by the University of Florida, is licensed to IPG and available for sublicense in specific plants. Initial demonstration projects for treatments of Pierce's Disease of grape and citrus greening are now underway.