BARTOW, Fla. – Florida’s citrus growers are celebrating a major milestone and applauding the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) thorough, science-based assessment and approval of Soilcea’s CarriCea™ T1 registration.
CarriCea™ T1 is a first-of-its-kind citrus rootstock designed to tolerate citrus greening disease. It works by precisely editing the rootstock’s own genes, disrupting the bacterium that causes greening from interacting with the plant and, therefore, limiting the tree’s infection.
Developed by Florida-based scientists at the University of Florida, this cutting-edge approach supports the state’s citrus industry and provides a model for citrus growers worldwide facing threats and destruction from pests and disease.
The EPA’s approval begins a new era in the citrus industry’s recovery after roughly two decades of decline and significant investment in research for a cure. It also allows the new Soilcea CarriCea™ T1 rootstock to be planted ahead of the 2026-2027 citrus season. Fruit produced by the new rootstock is indiscernible from fruit produced by other citrus rootstocks.
The newly approved rootstock puts another safe, innovative tool into the hands of citrus growers, reducing pesticide spraying and reliance on imports and bolstering the nation’s citrus production and economic growth.
“Florida’s citrus growers are celebrating the EPA’s approval of Soilcea’s CarriCea T1 rootstock and its promise of disease management to strengthen production and preserve our state’s iconic citrus industry,” said Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) Board President Kevin Koppelman. “This innovative tool for growers is giving our industry renewed confidence in the future as we work to recover and rebuild.”
The EPA’s approval of Soilcea’s CarriCea™ T1 rootstock underscores the strong partnership among federal regulators, state leaders and other stakeholders committed to investing in citrus research, championing citrus growers dedicated to the long-term sustainability of Florida’s citrus industry.
“Florida’s citrus growers appreciate the EPA and Administrator Zeldin’s leadership in delivering this tool, and our state and federal elected officials for supporting citrus research and innovation,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of FCM. “CarriCea™ T1 is the first look at citrus trees of the future, helping reduce input costs and strengthening the resilience of Florida’s citrus industry. Developed right here in Florida for Florida growers, this innovation has the potential to transform the global citrus industry.”
Citrus greening, a disease transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, was first found in Florida in 2005, leading to a significant decline in production, driving up input costs for growers and resulting in the loss of citrus grove acreage. While broad implementation of this innovative tool will take time, the EPA’s approval marks a turning point – encouraging renewed investment and reinforcing confidence in the future of Florida’s signature crop.
Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual