Who we are
The National Science and Technology Institute (NScTI) (NScTI Citrus: Platforms of Comparative and Functional Genomics, and Assisted Breeding of citrus) aims to promote scientific and technological knowledge to enhance citrus cultivation in Brazil and make the citrus industry more competitive and sustainable. Among its objectives is the creation of new genotypes and varieties of citrus, both scion and rootstock, with greater resistance to pests and diseases, thereby reducing the use of pesticides. It also develops citrus varieties with greater tolerance to water, facing frequent climate changes.
How we work
NScTI Citrus develops new scientific and technological knowledge to be applied in agricultural production through molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, comparative and functional genomic tools, the consolidation of basic information, and a wide agronomic experimental network.
Comparative Genomics ...
Functional Genome...
Assisted Breeding ...
learn more about our KNOWLEDGE PLATFORMS
NScTI Citrus is structured into three complementary and integrated platforms.
Comparative Genomics Platform
This platform is responsible for consolidating databases on the genomes and transcriptomes of citrus, as well as their main pathogens and disease vectors. Its purpose is to create a broad base for prospecting genes, promoters, and genetic markers useful for understanding interactions between hosts and pathogens, building genetic maps, and producing new genotypes/cultivars. Additionally, this platform conducts studies on specific genomes, such as epigenomes and microRNAs.
Functional Genome Platform
This platform focuses on the genetic responses of citrus when exposed to pathogens or limiting environmental conditions, such as water or nutrient restrictions. It also involves the evaluation of the transcriptomes of citrus pathogens, aiming to understand the development of limiting diseases like variegated chlorosis, gummosis, black spot, sudden death, and huanglongbing (HLB), as well as the pathogen vectors. Much of this information is utilized for the genetic transformation of citrus.
Assisted Breeding Platform
The main objective of this platform is to generate new citrus genotypes/cultivars that are more tolerant or resistant to pests, diseases, and drought, and that contribute to sustainable production. In addition to the experimental network for evaluating new citrus cultivars, the platform develops production systems and alternative disease control methods, germplasm conservation techniques, assisted mapping with markers (SNPs), and genetic maps to support the breeding program.
Background of NScTI Citrus
The current NScTI Citrus is the continuity of important research programs supported by CNPq and Finep (PADCT II, Pronex, Instituto do Milênio and BioEx), FAPESP (Thematic and Individual Projects, and scholarships) and Capes.
Such programs generated information and technological bases that are parts of the current NScTI Citrus such as:
A legacy of innovation and education
One of the main legacies of NScTI Citrus is the training of students and professionals. With Fapesp, CNPq or Capes scholarships, NScTI Citrus has already resulted in 32 postdoctoral supervisions, 50 Doctoral theses, 74 Master’s dissertations, 20 technological training (DTI and TT fellowships) and 18 scientific initiations (CNPq scholarships).
Currently, NScTI Citrus brings together 46 projects, 21 main researchers (responsible for projects), 36 collaborators in Brazil (eventually participating in projects), 16 research institutions and 1 company. Since 2018, it has published more than 370 scientific articles and generated 1 patent, resulting in a startup incubated at the Citriculture Center.