University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources researchers announced on March 20 that they are seeking volunteers to participate in focus groups about a new bioengineered method to control Asian citrus psyllids, the insect responsible for spreading huanglongbing disease in citrus trees.
The initiative aims to understand consumer attitudes toward a crop pesticide developed using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring bacterium. The disease, also known as citrus greening, has no cure and can kill a tree within five years. According to Karen Jetter, associate director and project economist at the UC ANR Policy Institute, “In California, we still have the opportunity to slow the spread of huanglongbing through ACP management. This unique technology is designed to be part of a comprehensive ACP management program, not to replace it.”
Huanglongbing has already caused significant damage in Florida, reducing orange production by 92% between 2005 and 2025. The new pest control strategy uses an engineered citrus tristeza virus to deliver modified Bt into citrus trees. When Asian citrus psyllid nymphs feed on these leaves, they ingest the bacterium and die. While California growers have shown interest in this approach, there are concerns about whether consumers will accept fruit grown with this technology.
To address these concerns, Jetter and Fiona Ogunkoya are organizing three focus group sessions in Riverside, Oakland, and Fresno between March 30 and April 8. Each session will include six to eight participants who must be at least 18 years old and able to attend in person.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to the official website, utilizing nine research and extension centers as laboratories representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to the official website. It is recognized for linking research with community needs according to the official website and manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system according to the official website. Each year it conducts over 33,000 educational events with more than 18,000 volunteers involved according to the official website.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources extends university research statewide through educational programs operating in all counties. It delivers science-based information via workshops and partnerships while mobilizing volunteers and research centers for environmental stewardship and economic development according to the official website.