The problem of growing the HLB bacteria in vitro has been solved

Scientists at Washington State University and the Univ. of Florida have just successfully cultured C. Liberibacter asiaticus in the lab.  This bacteria causes HLB or citrus greening disease that has decimated citrus fields around the world, but primarily in Florida.  This disease has reduced the citrus crop by 80% of its peak production 20 years ago.  The benefit of growing CLa in the lab is that now antibiotics might be tested in the lab for efficacy.  Trana Discovery has a plan for creating a selective pesticide that would eliminate only the Liberibacter sp. and not affect other surrounding plants, trees and the microbiota of the soil.