Researchers decode genome of insect harmful to citrus
Biologists at UC contributed to study on destructive insects
The Lake Okeechobee News in Florida highlighted an ambitious research project to unlock the genome of an insect that has devastated citrus growers.
Biologists with the University of Cincinnati collaborated with several other institutions on the project to study a sapsucking lice called the Asian citrus psyllid that feeds on citrus leaves. The insect spreads a bacterial infection called citrus greening disease that has caused billions of dollars in crop damage.
The disease has wiped out millions of acres of citrus trees in the United States and around the world. There is no known cure, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
UC partnered with Indian River State College, the Boyce Thompson Institution, Cornell University and Kansas State University.
By unlocking the genome of the insect, researchers hope to find more effective methods to control the spread of the insect.
Read the Lake Okeechobee News story.
Featured image at top: UC biology students contributed to a study unlocking the genome of an insect that has devastated the citrus crop. Photo/Utkarsh Patil
Related Stories
UC doctoral student shares his journey with Spectrum News
July 27, 2026
UC doctoral student Amota Ataneka spoke with Spectrum News about his educational journey. Ataneka, a native of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, is one of 35 emerging scholars across the United States to win the National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship.
How scammers can persuade you with AI
July 27, 2026
Spectrum News recently dove into how cloning voices with artificial intelligence is making it easier to scam people over the phone. The news outlet spoke with Kimberly Hyun, assistant professor of marketing at UC’s Lindner College of Business, to examine why AI is making it so much easier to trick people.
Decade of discovery
July 27, 2026
Every summer, UHP Discover has connected undergraduate students in the University Honors Program (UHP) to a unique array of opportunities in original interdisciplinary research. This year, the program celebrates its 10th anniversary.