From the laboratory in Groningen to the citrus orchards of Brazil

Travel report by Dianne Schootstra

Last August, our team (Afnan, Silke, Marcel and I) travelled to Brazil as part of the European-Brazilian Citrusbusters project. So, why Brazil? Because it is not only the largest producer of oranges, but is also severely affected by Huanglongbing (HLB). This disease is already present in South and North America, Asia, and Africa. Europe is still largely free of it. This is precisely why it is important to take samples in an area where HLB is widespread. This provides the best insight into diseased trees and the bacterium.

Armed with this knowledge, we can issue earlier warnings in Europe and develop better defence strategies. The insects that transmit HLB have already been found in Spain, Portugal and Cyprus. The risk to Europe is increasing.

What an experience

It was a completely different and unique experience for Silke and me. Usually, we spend our days in the lab in Groningen. The travel distances in Brazil are enormous. For the sampling, we travelled four to five hours north and south in the state of São Paulo, which gave us a great opportunity to see the diverse landscapes and cities with millions of inhabitants.

Great collaboration with local experts

Professor Rodrigo Latado of the Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira welcomed us warmly and guided us well. During the sampling process, we were assisted by two master's students: Hadjar and Rafael. Many Brazilians do not speak English. Fortunately, our colleague Afnan speaks fluent Portuguese, which made communication easy.

We were accommodated at the Laboratório de Biotecnologia. It was here that we carried out our DNA extractions and made all the preparations for the sampling.

A record number of extractions

On Saturday, Silke and I performed 90 extractions, setting a new record for a single day! In total, we performed more than 200 extractions. We would not have been able to do this so quickly without the help of Afnan and Marcel in preparing the samples. While we were working, we saw a large iguana staring at us through the window. That's something you wouldn't see in Groningen!

Impact

In the orchards, we witnessed first-hand how the disease develops. Rather than entire rows of diseased trees, as you might expect, there was a varying pattern of diseased and healthy trees. This trip has made the seriousness of the situation even clearer. It's a unique experience to be able to contribute to this project. In addition to all the hard work, it was an enormously educational time. And, of course, we also enjoyed the Brazilian hospitality, extensive lunches and traditional churrasco!

If you would like to know more about this project, click here.

Are you interested in our methods and would like more information?

Please contact Afnan Suleiman.

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