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Citrus trees face an array of threats that can impact fruit development and overall tree health. Pests, including aphids, mites, and other insects, can damage fruit and transmit diseases. Extreme weather events, such as hailstorms or heavy rains, can cause physical harm, leading to blemishes and reduced market value. In addition, citrus growers have consistently faced persistent challenges in the form of bacterial diseases, including citrus canker and citrus greening. These diseases not only have a negative impact on the quality of fruits, but also create a potential risk to the long-term viability of citrus industry.

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In this article we report on the first year of fruit production in Valencia trees grown under IPCs with special emphasis on internal fruit quality and fruit drop

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are ideal sources for the treatment of diabetes, and the differentiation of ADSCs into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) through transfection of exogenous regulatory genes in vitro has been studied in depth. The differentiation of ADSCs is strictly regulated by a variety of transcription factors such as Pdx1 , Ngn3 , Pax4 , Nkx2.2 , and Sox9 . However, whether these genes can coordinately regulate the differentiation of ADSCs into IPCs is still unknown. In this study, five multigene coexpressing adenovirus vectors ( pAdTrack-Pdx1-Ngn3-AdEasy , pAdTrack-Pdx1-Ngn3-Sox9-AdEasy , pAdTrack-Pdx1-Ngn3-Pax4-Sox9-AdEasy , pAdTrack-Pdx1-Ngn3-Nkx2.2-Sox9-AdEasy , and pAdTrack-Pdx1-Ngn3-Nkx2.2-Pax4-AdEasy ) were constructed, and then the stocks of the packaged adenoviruses were used to infect the canine ADSCs (cADSCs). Based on results of morphological observation, dithizone staining, sugar-stimulated insulin secretion test, cellular insulin immunofluorescence assays, and the detection of pancreatic β-cell development–related genes in the induced cells, the best induction combination ( pAdTrack-Pdx1-Ngn3-Nkx2.2-Pax4-AdEasy ) was identified after comparative screening. This study provides a theoretical reference and an experimental basis for further research on stem cell replacement therapy for diabetes.

Aluminum/epoxy resin interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) were directly strengthened by adding glass fiber of varying content (80 wt%, 100 wt%, 120 wt% and 140 wt%) inside the epoxy resin. The macro and micro structures of IPCs were intact, and the interface between aluminum and epoxy resin was well combined. As the content of glass fiber increased, the compressive strength of epoxy resin increased, but the failure was advanced, while IPCs displayed the opposite trend. IPCs exhibited three compression deformation modes, namely plastic deformation of aluminum, resin fracture and interface debonding. The digital image correlation and infrared thermal imager were used to characterize the apparent principal strain distribution and temperature distribution of IPCs to verify the deformation modes. The surface temperature damage evolution of IPCs included the rapid temperature rise stage, steady temperature stage and slight temperature drop stage, respectively, mainly corresponding to the linear elastic stage, plateau stage and densification stage in the stress-strain curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psyllid exclusion is the most effective strategy to keep citrus trees free from HLB. Individual protective covers (IPCs) are a novel strategy based on psyllid exclusion of individual trees using a protective mesh bag. This new 3-page publication summarizes the knowledge we have accrued from our 3-year-long field studies using the IPC system and provides recommendations that can help with effective use of this technology. By F. Alferez, U. Albrecht, S. Gaire, O. Batuman, J. Qureshi, and M. Zekri. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1425

Controlling the Asian citrus psyllid vector of huanglongbing (HLB) is critical especially in young trees. Reducing HLB incidence is essential for tree survival and productivity under current endemic conditions. Individual protective covers (IPCs) are a novel strategy based on psyllid exclusion by means of a protective mesh bag. In this article we report on the results obtained in our 18-month trial on IPCs. Peer reviewed through UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center; published in Citrus Industry Magazine.