Multi-stress resistant transgenic citrus varieties with optimized Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
Development of transgenic Indian citrus cultivars (Citrus aurantifolia and Citrus sinensis) carrying novel plant defense genes for broad-spectrum stress tolerance, including Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Leverages optimized regeneration protocols and validated antimicrobial defense proteins to address critical challenges in citriculture.
Overview
Citriculture faces severe threats from multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, with Huanglongbing (HLB) being among the most devastating citrus diseases globally. This research program focuses on developing transgenic citrus varieties with enhanced multi-stress tolerance by introducing novel plant defense genes into commercially important Indian cultivars. The work addresses a critical bottleneck in citrus biotechnology: the recalcitrance of citrus to genetic transformation. By optimizing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocols and leveraging previously characterized defense genes, this program aims to deliver citrus varieties with robust resistance to pathogens and environmental stresses.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Optimized regeneration protocols established for two commercial citrus cultivars using leaf and epicotyl explants
- Four different culture media screened to identify best regeneration conditions (n=30 explants, experiments repeated three times)
- Novel plant defense genes with demonstrated potent stress tolerance under in vitro conditions
- One defense protein formulation reduced CLas (causative agent of HLB) population by 96.2%, 97.6%, 95.6%, and 97% at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment, respectively
- Additional defense proteins exhibiting strong trypsin inhibitory activity for combined biotic and abiotic stress tolerance
- Plans for marker-free transgenic plant development
- Critical review and innovative improvements at all stages of Agrobacterium-mediated citrus transformation
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an advanced research and validation stage. Regeneration protocols have been optimized and validated across multiple experimental replicates. The defense genes have demonstrated efficacy in reducing CLas bacterial load under controlled conditions. Future validation includes assessment of transgenic plants under multiple biotic and abiotic stress conditions, mechanistic studies, and field-condition testing. The projected timeline for completion is approximately 1.5 years, with potential for marker-free transgenic development as an additional deliverable.
About Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
IIT Roorkee is a leading public technical and research university in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, with a large residential campus and national reach. Industry connects through a centralized Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy office that brokers sponsored research, testing, and contract work, aided by proximity to Delhi–NCR and northern India’s manufacturing corridor. Central instrumentation enables advanced characterization for external partners, and an on‑campus incubator supports venture creation and scale-up. Research is backed by competitive national funding from India’s science and technology agencies and industry sponsors. A dedicated intellectual property and technology transfer office manages disclosures, patents, and licensing.
delivered to your inbox.