Invaio achieves key step for citrus greening solution featuring Trecise technology

Invaio Sciences says the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has approved its application technology that aims to suppress citrus greening in oranges.

The citrus health solution was approved under the agency under Section 24(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, according to the news release.

Invaio’s solution treats the citrus greening disease known as huanglongbing, or HLB, which is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, according to the release. The disease has wreaked havoc on the Florida citrus industry and is responsible for massive losses in yields and profits since 2006.

“I’m really excited about what Invaio is doing,” Ned Hancock, fifth-generation citrus grower, said in the release. “This is probably the first time in my lifetime our industry has seen truly new technology. I see this as potentially revolutionizing the way we manage citrus.”

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Invaio says its new solution will deliver ArborBiotic through Invaio’s groundbreaking application technology, Trecise. Unlike conventional injection treatments, this minimally invasive system requires 90% less active ingredient as it delivers directly into the tree’s vascular system, according to the release. Trials of the solution have shown an average yield increase of 30% after just one treatment as well as increased in brix and a reduction in fruit drop, the company said.

“Invaio’s Trecise technology offers a real breakthrough in the fight against citrus greening, a disease that has devastated the industry for more than 15 years,” Ignacio Martinez, founding CEO of Invaio, said in the release. “This is the first of many Invaio technologies that will benefit growers, crops and the environment.”

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The Trecise system has several key advantages for growers and applicators, according to the release:

• Its 120-day pre-harvest interval is 60 days shorter than conventional injection treatments.
• There’s no need for drilling, making it suitable for young trees that have had few treatment options available until now.
• The technology reduces risk of exposure to workers and the environment because of its closed-system design.

“We’re excited to launch our Trecise system and are optimistic about the future of Florida’s citrus industry,” Dave Gerrard, Invaio's head of commercial U.S., said in the release. “With our initial focus on treating young and non-bearing trees, we hope to show that growers can get symptoms and build confidence for replanting. This is just the first step. We’re committed to delivering further solutions to help Florida citrus growers regain their pre-HLB yields.”

More on these topics: Citrus | Technology | Florida