Citrus trees and crops face serious threats from infectious diseases, especially citrus greening disease or huanglongbing (HLB). This disease reduces production and destroys the economic value of fruit. The spread and cause of HLB are associated with a phloem-feeding insect (Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diapharina citri) and a fastidious bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus). The Citrus Research and Development Foundation established the Citrus Advanced Technology Program (CATP) to search internationally for solutions to HLB, citrus canker and other critical Florida citrus diseases through sponsored research. Projects address research that contributes to short-to-intermediate term solutions as well as longer term solutions to these diseases. Product development and commercialization of solutions falls within the goals of CRDF, as does communication of progress and results to stakeholders. CRDF supports competitively awarded projects for up to 3 years through an annual request cycle. New research initiatives should complement the existing portfolio of research projects listed on the CRDF website Download CRDF Current Project List and currently summarized in the progress reports posted at www.citrusrdf.org .
Those interested in submitting applications for consideration can review the current priorities for this program Download NAS NRC Research Priorities. Research topics and areas of expertise are further grouped into 13 categories Download Categories .
The Call for Preproposals normally occurs in September, with full proposal invitations following. Invited full proposals have a submission timeline of November or December. See the timeline for the specific funding cycle published on the CRDF website. Review and consideration leads to announcement of successful proposals in February-March, and contracts typically are initiated in April-May.