Bioactive organic compounds for sustainable citrus canker management

Citrus canker is a bacterial plant disease that affects all cultivated citrus species, reducing productivity and fruit quality, and leading to restrictions on international trade. Citrus canker control strategies rely mainly on copper-containing sprays. Due to the harmful environmental effects of copper, several countries have imposed restrictions on the use of copper in agriculture. There is therefore a clear need for alternative and sustainable methods of citrus canker control.The work in this thesis is part of a collaboration between Dutch and Brazilian teams to develop new bio-based active compounds. As an alternative to copper sprays, organic compounds from natural sources (including agricultural waste) have been investigated and shown promise against the plant pathogen responsible for citrus canker. Further research and field trials may provide further insight into the practical application and scalability of some of these compounds as a sustainable solution for combating citrus canker.The collaborative nature of this research underlines the importance of international cooperation in addressing challenges in the agricultural sector. The exchange of expertise, resources and research results facilitates the development of innovative solutions for plant disease control on a global scale. This collaboration improves the dissemination of knowledge and promotes best practices in agricultural research and development. By providing new insights into the design of antibacterial agents against citrus canker’s causing agent (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri), this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable agriculture, disease prevention and control, and global food security.

Dissertation: https://hdl.handle.net/11370/92751dfa-ed96-4005-b55c-6c6dc7fb391e