Delivering a therapeutic molecule to where a pathogen resides in a plant can be challenging. Treating Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, or CLas, a bacteria that is limited to the phloem, poses one of the biggest challenges in delivering molecules against it, especially when using conventional methods such as spray applications. The ease of printing the direct plant infusion device and its simple implementation makes it accessible to anyone.
This enables the widespread screening of molecules for their potential therapeutic effect in trees. An added benefit is that the diffusion of molecules utilizes the natural process of plant transpiration. Our research improved efficiency and precision of molecular delivery in plants, which can be used for a range of research applications.
By screening hundreds of molecules on small plants, we can eliminate the need for larger trees, leading to a reduction in cost and space utilization.
