Biotech Updates

Video: Saving the Orange

August 22, 2018

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and CropLife International have launched the first video in a new series about gene editing in plants.

"Saving the Orange," a four-minute video focuses on the very-real challenge of citrus greening—a devastating disease which has led to a nearly 80 percent decrease in Florida citrus production over the past 12 to 15 years.

The video also profiled Dr. Fred Gmitter, University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center, who calls citrus greening "the worst possible nightmare imaginable." By using innovative breeding methods like gene editing, Dr. Gmitter and his team are working to improve orange trees, making them more resistant to the disease.

Watch the video on YouTube.