Genetically modified tree

Abstract: Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB) for its Chinese origin, is a bacterial disease rapidly spreading worldwide. It is also currently considered to be the most devastating citrus disease in all major producing regions (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO], 2015). To date, there is neither a cure nor an economically viable option for managing HLB infected trees. To slow down the disease’s progress and its infection rate, growers have had to modify their groves’ management. In Brazil, for example, large growers eradicate symptomatic trees. In US affected regions, growers have increased overall chemical use, which has in turn increased not only costs but also associated health and environmental concerns. Researchers are working on developing shortand long-term treatments for growers to manage HLB more effectively. Many of these efforts have focused on best management practices such as early detection, pest control efforts, strengthening of root systems of the trees to help tolerate the infection, and combining integrated management approaches for sustaining production in infected trees (US Department of Agriculture [USDA], National Agricultural Statistics Service [NASS], 2015a). Research related to longer-term solutions includes how to hinder the reproductive cycle of the vector of the disease—or its ability to transmit the disease—and the development of resistant trees. A line of research some expect to be the ultimate solution to HLB is developing trees that are resistant to it by using genetic modification. Little, though, is known regarding the willingness of US citrus growers to adopt genetically modified (GM) technology, their concerns surrounding its adoption, or even the degree to which the disease has impacted them. The purpose of the present study is three-fold. First, we present growers’ survey-based estimates of the impact of HLB on citrus operations in Florida, which is the largest orange-producing state in the United States. To the best of our knowledge, these estimates represent the first of their kind. Second, we present and analyze Florida citrus growers’ self-assessed level of information, potential concerns, and impressions regarding GM technology adoption as a way to deal with HLB. Finally, we also examine growers’ preferences on desirable attributes of an HLB-resistant tree. The ex-ante character of our study—that is, while different governmental and private funding agencies and private companies are currently evaluating and supporting a multitude of approaches to deal with HLB1—should provide useful input and guidance to industry stakeholders and research funding agencies.