| Affiliations: | |
| Team Leader: |
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| Faculty Mentor: |
Swadeshmukul Santra, PhD
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Team Size:
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3 |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Team Member Qualifications:
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Preferred qualifications are basic chemistry knowledge, an interest in chemical formulation or antimicrobial work, a passion to start research. Required qualifications are to have completed all university required EHS courses for laboratory safety, chemical safety, and biohazard safety. |
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Description:
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Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, remains one of the most significant threats to global citrus production, resulting in substantial yield reductions and economic losses. In Florida, HLB is associated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), a phloem-limited bacterium transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). Trunk injection of oxytetracycline (OTC) is currently the primary therapeutic strategy for suppressing pathogen proliferation and promoting tree recovery in regions where the disease is endemic. However, the conventional requirement to acidify OTC solutions with hydrochloric acid raises concerns related to phytotoxicity and long-term impacts on tree health. This study evaluated novel near-neutral adjuvant prototypes developed at the University of Central Florida (UCF), for their ability to solubilize and stabilize OTC at neutral pH. |