Citrus Clonal Protection Program
Safeguarding California’s Citrus Future
Overview
At the forefront of citrus innovation, the Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP) at UC Riverside has been a pioneer in producing pathogen-tested citrus budwood and advancing citrus diagnostics for decades.
Through cutting-edge research and technology transfer, the CCPP ensures that California’s $3.6 billion citrus industry remains healthy and sustainable, supporting thousands of growers, nurseries, and citrus enthusiasts.
The Challenge
California’s citrus industry faces mounting threats from emerging pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, and viroids such as Huanglongbing (HLB) and citrus yellow vein clearing virus—that can devastate orchards and undermine economic stability. Traditional diagnostic and propagation methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming, putting immense pressure on growers to secure disease-free propagative material.
Our Approach
The CCPP is revolutionizing citrus health with innovative strategies that integrate:
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Optimized Quarantine Protocols: Accelerating the introduction of new citrus varieties with enhanced in planta bioindexing and real-time multiplex diagnostic assays.
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Controlled Environment Agriculture: Utilizing advanced indoor production systems to rapidly grow containerized citrus plants under ideal conditions.
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RNA-Based Disease Management: Investigating novel approaches—such as harnessing citrus-associated RNA species—to potentially manage diseases like HLB and control tree growth for high-density plantings.
These advancements not only streamline the production of clean budwood but also pave the way for sustainable, high-impact solutions in citrus disease management.
Impact on the California Citrus Industry
By improving diagnostic capacity and propagation efficiency, the CCPP directly benefits over 2,500 citrus growers and more than 7,000 industry stakeholders. Every pathogen-tested variety introduced through the CCPP supports job creation, enhances nursery operations, and fortifies California’s reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Stakeholders
Stakeholders from the California Citrus Nursery Board, National Clean Plant Network, UC ANR, and Citrus Research Board actively support and collaborate with CCPP to drive citrus innovation and sustainability.
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Collaborative Outreach
A robust network of researchers, regulatory agencies, and industry partners—spanning local, national, and international levels—drives the success of the CCPP. Through:
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Workshops & Field Days: Engaging growers and researchers in hands-on training sessions.
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Online Resources: Providing accessible materials, demonstration videos, and interactive platforms via LabToFarm.
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Technology Transfer: Promoting innovative practices that ensure rapid dissemination of new diagnostic and propagation methods.
The CCPP transforms breakthrough research into practical tools that secure the future of California’s citrus industry.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing projects focused on refining controlled environment agriculture parameters and exploring RNA-based strategies for HLB management, the Citrus Clonal Protection Program continues to lead the charge in citrus innovation. Our vision is clear: to ensure that every new citrus variety is introduced safely, quickly, and sustainably—protecting both the industry and the communities that depend on it.
Discover how our research is shaping the future of citrus production. For more information or to get involved, visit CCPP at UC Riverside or contact our team.
Contact Us
Citrus Clonal Protection Program
Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521
Voice: (951) 237-0303 for general inquiries
(559) 429-9718 for budwood sales
Fax: (951) 827-4294
Email: ccpp@ucr.edu
