Transformation Lab - Accomplishments

Core Citrus Transformation Facility (CCTF) exists for more than 8 years. Since becoming fully functional about six years ago, CCTF has succeeded in fulfilling the role of becoming the production site for transgenic Citrus plants. Different clients have come to us and requested plants of Citrus cultivars of choice with the desired gene inserted into their genome. Some clients already received transgenic plants and almost all delivered orders have been realized completely, despite the fact that success rate in this type of experiments is not high. The methods of genetic transformation utilized in the CCTF have been tuned so that sufficient numbers of seedlings are produced to satisfy existing demand. At the moment, capacity of CCTF is to produce about 250 seedlings per year although the final number depends on the cultivars that are ordered.

Certain Citrus cultivars that were reported to be recalcitrant to genetic transformation are now routinely transformed at CCTF. Most of the plants produced in the CCTF until now were transgenic grapefruit, with 'Marsh' cultivar leading the way. Sweet orange plants of ' Valencia ' cultivar were also frequently ordered.

At least half-a-dozen UF faculties that are studying different aspects of life of citrus trees have already, or are planning to utilize transgenic plants that were produced at CCTF. Our work has therefore become a very important part of many research projects and because of that represents a significant tool of Citrus Industry.

All in all, things are good in the CCTF! If you have a need for transgenic Citrus plants come to Citrus Research and Education Center and look for CCTF and we will try to best of our abilities to complete your order by producing plants that will be genetically modified with the gene or fragment of DNA of your interest.