Isolation of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus_causative agent of citrus greening disease

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is an extremely destructive disease of citrus. The disease is wide spread all over the world and currently threatens the existence of the citrus industry. Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus is suspected to be the main cause for the HLB in American's citrus industry. It is characterized as phloem restricted alpha-proteobacteria bacteria that have not been able to culture independently from host yet. Isolation of 'Candidatus Liberibacter sp.' is critical important to confirm whether they are actually the causes of HLB or are only parts of the syndrome. The goal of this project is to develop the culture media and cultural methodology that allow to grow Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in vitro