Silvec Biologics, a Maryland-based agtech company that develops RNA-based plant protection products, said its RNA vector delivery product for combating huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening, is now in the full science review phase of the EPA Pesticide Regulation Improvement Act registration process.
The USDA approved the product for commercial use in all Florida counties following a positive Environmental Impact Statement issued by the USDA in June 2020. Silvec and IR-4 Project filed an EPA registration application in January 2024. The EPA has an 18-month review process following the application.
“Citrus Research and Development Foundation sees the citrus vector technology as playing an instrumental role in helping to reduce the catastrophic effects of citrus greening on Florida citrus production and Silvec has our full support with its regulatory approval process,” said Rick Dantzler, executive director of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.
Silvec Biologics said it’s the exclusive sublicensee of the delivery vector developed by Southern Gardens Citrus (a subsidiary of U. S. Sugar), the University of Florida and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
“After years of research and development, we are pleased to see the citrus vector and spinach defensin technology advance to the EPA registration phase and get closer to approval,” Kranthi Mandadi, professor of plant pathology and microbiology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “This endeavor is a perfect example of the public-private sector relationships that are crucial to creating impact and innovative solutions to complex problems such as citrus greening.”
The company said the product is based on a mild and naturally untransmittable version of a virus found in most citrus trees, reprogrammed to express a natural antimicrobial peptide found in spinach. According to the company, a single application in field trials has shown a long-term reduction in yield declines caused by the citrus greening bacteria.
The company said this product is the first of its kind to deploy a viral vector to reduce damage from the huanglongbing pathogens and is compatible with all citrus varieties. Silvec Biologics said the treatment does not genetically modify the tree or its fruit.
“As U.S. Sugar made a strategic realignment to focus on increasing its Florida sugarcane production, we are confident in transitioning our citrus vector technology to Silvec for commercialization,” said Mike Irey, director of research and special projects for U.S. Sugar. “We believe this important technology will play a critical role in reducing the scourge of citrus greening.”
