IFAPA and Agromillora launch a pioneering project to evaluate citrus rootstocks resistant to HLB and climate change
The Andalusian Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IFAPA) and the company Agromillora Catalana S.A. have joined forces to launch an ambitious project aimed at transforming the future of Mediterranean citrus production. Under the title “Characterization and evaluation of citrus rootstocks tolerant to HLB, climate change, and resilience for a sustainable citrus model in Europe,” the initiative seeks to address the threats endangering the sector, particularly HLB, considered the most devastating citrus disease worldwide.
The main objective of the project is to identify and evaluate new citrus rootstocks capable of tolerating both biotic and abiotic stresses—including salinity, drought, boron toxicity, and diseases such as Phytophthora and nematodes. To achieve this, IFAPA will assume a key scientific role, conducting greenhouse and field trials at its facilities in Seville, where the agronomic performance and resistance of these emerging plant materials will be assessed.
Agromillora, for its part, will contribute its international expertise in micropropagation, importation of plant material, and the development of propagation protocols, as well as its experience in managing the commercial registration of the most promising rootstocks. The company will also leverage its global network of breeders to source new materials with potential for adaptation to the European Mediterranean region.
Expected outcomes include expanded genetic diversity available to growers, the future introduction of more resilient rootstocks to the market, and the creation of scientific knowledge applicable across the European citrus industry. For Agromillora, the impact will be significant: the company will strengthen its leadership in innovation, incorporate exclusive rootstocks into its portfolio, and consolidate its position as a reference in adapting citrus cultivation to extreme climate scenarios.
Furthermore, the project will help Spain and Europe move toward a more sustainable, efficient, and future-ready citrus production model.
This project has been awarded under the 2022 Public-Private Partnership call, project reference CPP2022‑009916, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union–NextGenerationEU/PRTR.
