From launch to action: what CITRUSBUSTERS achieved in its first semester
15th December, 2026
Building the foundations for sustainable citrus protection
Since the project’s launch in May 2025, the CITRUSBUSTERS consortium has actively advanced its scientific, technical, and engagement activities to establish a strong basis for the next phases of work. During this initial period, partners focused on setting up laboratory and greenhouse workflows, coordinating field-related activities with Brazilian collaborators, and initiating preparatory studies across the project’s research areas.
Highlights
· Project activities rapidly progressed from kick-off to hands-on implementation.
· Laboratory, greenhouse and preparatory research setups are now in place across several partners.
· First field-related activities in Brazil carried out, involving Bioclear and CCSM, strengthening EU – Brazil collaboration.
· Multiple Steering Committee meetings and technical coordination exchanges successfully held.
· Active engagement initiated with sister projects and the wider research community.
· CITRUSBUSTERS featured in webinars, conferences and sector-focused events.
· Project website, branding and communication tools fully launched.
From Concept to Implementation
Following the kick-off, CITRUSBUSTERS quickly transitioned into an operational phase. Across work packages, partners worked on establishing laboratory and greenhouse procedures, preparing plant material, and setting up methodological workflows that will underpin future research and validation activities.
Coordination with Brazilian partners intensified during this period. In addition to planning upcoming campaigns, initial field visits in Brazil were conducted. They enabled direct exchange between European and Brazilian teams supporting alignment of experimental, logistical and regulatory aspects of the work.
Strengthening Collaboration and Project Coordination
Strong internal coordination has been ensured through regular Steering Committee meetings, technical discussions and bilateral exchanges. These interactions supported alignment across work packages, internal reporting processes and preparation of upcoming activities.
Externally, CITRUSBUSTERS has actively positioned itself within the broader research and innovation landscape. Partners engaged with sister projects, contributed to joint discussions on shared challenges, and participated in scientific and stakeholder-oriented events. A dedicated webinar organised with Agro4Agri, including a publicly available recording, further strengthened outreach and knowledge exchange with relevant stakeholder communities.
Research Activities Across Work Packages
During the first project months, research activities focused on setting up and initiating core scientific workflows:
· Work Package (WP) 1 established key analytical and data-integration approaches supporting early detection and surveillance, including volatilomics, metabolomics and microbiome-based methodologies.
· WP2 advanced preventive strategies by preparing mutagenised citrus populations, setting up in vitro systems, and initiating groundwork for DNA-free approaches and plant immunity studies.
· WP3 progressed preparatory work on biocontrol strategies, including RNA interference and bacteriophage-derived approaches, alongside ethics and biosafety considerations.
· WP5 developed the first integrated framework for environmental, economic and social sustainability assessment, now under internal review.
· WP6 delivered the project’s dissemination and engagement infrastructure, from branding and website launch to social media activation and stakeholder coordination.
· WP7 ensured effective project governance, internal reporting and preparation of the next in-person consortium meeting in Brazil in 2026.
These activities have collectively established a solid technical and organisational foundation for subsequent phases of the project.
Looking Ahead
With key structures, collaborations and workflows in place, CITRUSBUSTERS is well positioned to move into a more intensive phase of laboratory, greenhouse and field activities. The coming months will focus on deepening collaboration with Brazilian partners, strengthening links with sister projects, and increasing visibility through targeted engagement and dissemination.
The project is steadily moving from setup to sustained action – laying the groundwork for future, science-based solutions to support resilient and sustainable citrus production.