AUM LifeTech in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture has developed a novel Non-GMO RNA silencing approach for bacteria, insect and pathogen control with a focus on citrus trees and fruits. Huanglongbing, a fatal bacterial citrus disease, also known as citrus greening has already caused an estimated $15 billion loss in revenue to the industry. …
…Researchers at USDA are now using AUM’s next-generation RNA silencing FANA technology to combat with the plant pathogenic bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter and citrus pests like citrus root weevil and Asian citrus psyllid. Preliminary results showed an increase in insect mortality and reduction of bacteria within citrus trees. This is the first evidence of successful delivery of FANA Antisense Oligonucleotides (FANA ASOs) into plants through foliar sprays, root absorption and tree trunk injections; and provides a new approach for management of agricultural pests and plant pathogens.
…“Importantly, although AUM’s FANA technology works at the genetic level but it does not create genetically modified organisms. This is a very beneficial aspect in agriculture especially from an EPA registration perspective and may potentially help in a faster approval time,” [stated Veenu Aishwarya founder and CEO of AUM LifeTech.]
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: USDA and AUM LifeTech develop a novel Non-GMO RNA silencing approach against citrus greening with a goal to save the troubled $40 billion global citrus industry
