The collaboration focuses on developing, validating, and applying innovative biological solutions—particularly peptide-based technologies—for controlling HLB, caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). The pathogen cannot be cultured in laboratory conditions, imposing significant scientific challenges for disease management research.
The initiative combines Invaio’s Biologicals By Design™ platform with Fundecitrus’ extensive field experimentation capabilities, orchard monitoring infrastructure, and technology evaluation under commercial production conditions. This complementarity addresses historical research limitations on citrus greening and shortens the pathway from scientific innovation to adoption by growers.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Fundecitrus. Their scientific leadership and capacity to test solutions directly in orchards are fundamental to accelerating development of tools that truly make a difference in greening management,” according to Ricardo Miranda, Vice President and Global Development Head at Invaio Sciences.
Precision Application Technology Integration
As part of the partnership, Invaio will deploy its patented Trecise® precision application technology, enabling the targeted delivery of compounds directly into citrus trees, increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Testing will be conducted under real field conditions, reinforcing the commitment to producer-viable solutions.
The Trecise® system represents a departure from conventional foliar spray applications, potentially improving active ingredient uptake and systemic distribution within tree vascular systems—critical factors for managing a phloem-limited bacterial pathogen like CLas.
“We are preparing to launch our first HLB solution in Brazil, and remain committed to expanding the toolkit available to citrus growers. Working with Fundecitrus—one of the world’s leading authorities in citrus health—strengthens our capacity to transform scientific innovation into concrete impact in orchards,” said Avram Slovic, Invaio Sciences’ Managing Director for Latin America.
Strategic Context in Global HLB Management
Citrus greening has devastated production regions globally, including Florida, Brazil, and Asia, causing the decline in trees, fruit yield reduction, and quality deterioration. No curative treatment exists, with current management relying on intensive psyllid vector control, infected tree removal, and deployment of disease-free nursery stock.
Biological approaches targeting the bacterial pathogen or enhancing tree tolerance represent a research frontier, though commercial products with demonstrated field efficacy remain limited. Peptide-based technologies offer potential advantages, including high specificity, rapid degradation reducing environmental persistence, and modes of action distinct from conventional antimicrobials.
Fundecitrus, founded 48 years ago in São Paulo state, operates state-of-the-art research facilities, maintains hundreds of hectares of field trial plots in commercial orchards, and employs over 130 staff and research members. The organization leads efforts to ensure Brazilian citrus producers access latest technologies, techniques, and information enabling sustainable citrus production.
Invaio Sciences, as a Flagship Pioneering company, applies advances from human health and digital innovation to develop biological technologies for plant health, enabling farmers to improve yields using nature-positive solutions for crop protection.
