Project Coordinator:
Dr. Fanie van Vuuren

Collaborating researchers and technicians involved:
Prof. Gerhard Pietersen (CRI at UP), Dr. Fanie van Vuuren, Kobus Breytenbach,
Katherine Stewart.

Research is mainly focused on greening and Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV). Greening disease or Huanglongbing, spread by the citrus psylla, Trioza erytreae, is one of the potentially most damaging diseases in South Africa but is kept at bay by controlling the vector. CTV is spread by aphids and is managed primarily by the use of non-virulent cross protective Tristeza strains. Current research is focused on the development of more effective cross-protection strains.