Transgenic‐based solutions for citrus disease management in Argentina

Abstract

Citrus is a major fruit crop with economic importance worldwide, with citriculture historically threatened at times by a diverse array of pathogens. As a leading producer and exporter, Argentina has been dealing with endemic and quarantine diseases of citrus by implementing conventional management strategies. In recent decades, the pursuit of pathogen‐resistant transgenic citrus has been explored in the country as part of a long‐term and sustainable disease management strategy. Successful genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were created locally, engineered to resist viruses and bacteria for the control of tristeza, psorosis, canker, and huanglongbing diseases of citrus. Although the Argentine regulatory system accommodated these developments, there were also difficulties that demand further recognition and analysis. In the present work, we describe four major diseases affecting Argentine citriculture and a series of GMO‐oriented strategies for their management. We explore the methodologies behind these strategies, including transgenic‐based approaches, the current state of regulations, and what further actions may be taken to ensure continuing protection for citriculture.