Scientists complete citrus genome sequencing

An international research team led by researchers from the University of Florida in the United States recently completed the gene sequencing of sweet orange and Clementine's small orange (a hybrid of orange and sour orange) trees, and published the related gene map, which is the first time in citrus trees The release of the gene map will help scientists find new ways to combat diseases including yellow dragon disease (also known as yellow blight and green fruit disease, which are very harmful to citrus), and help farmers improve the flavor and quality of fruits, the researchers said It is understood that citrus yellow dragon disease is a bacterial disease transmitted by insects The diseased fruit is small or deformed, the navel is crooked, the branches and shoots of diseased fruit trees will appear yellowing symptoms, and the severely diseased fruit trees will die within a few years The disease is prevalent in Asia, Africa, Arabian Peninsula and Brazil, and has been found in Florida since 2005 Sequencing the genome will allow researchers to figure out the sequence of its millions of genes The scientists hope to use the data to produce more delicious, nutritious, and temperature adapted citrus trees Geneticists have sequenced the DNA of Citrus Yellow Dragon disease virus (DNA) in 2009, and hope to start the gene sequencing of its vector, citrus Psylla, as soon as possible, so as to effectively control the pest In addition to the University of Florida, scientists from Italy, Brazil, France and Spain also participated in the study Dan grant, managing director of Florida Citrus Research and development fund, was thrilled to hear the news He said that the publication of these two Citrus gene maps is bound to accelerate the resolution of many problems threatening citrus production Mike sparks, President of Florida Citrus Growers Association, said the research was an exciting breakthrough that will benefit the global citrus industry including Florida in the near future Citrus is one of the most widely planted fruit trees in the world, with an annual output of 102.822 million tons and an area of 107.3 million mu in 135 countries.