Citru

Citru is an international non-profit organization dedicated to citrus biodiversity research and sustainable citrus agriculture. Founded in 2010 by a coalition of universities, agricultural research institutes, and non-governmental organizations, Citru coordinates breeding programs, germplasm exchange, and data sharing to support growers, researchers, and policy makers. The organization maintains a global citrus germplasm repository and leads collaborative projects that map genetic diversity, assess pest and disease resistance, and evaluate climate-adaptive traits.

Citru’s activities include genomic sequencing of citrus varieties, trait characterization, and the development of improved rootstocks and cultivars through participatory breeding with farmers. It operates a publicly accessible data portal that aggregates genomic, phenotypic, and agronomic information, with standardized metadata to facilitate cross-border research. Field trial networks in multiple countries test new selections under diverse environmental conditions. Citru also runs training programs, technical guidelines, and policy briefs intended to promote sustainable management, biosecurity, and equitable access to citrus resources.

Governance is provided by a General Assembly consisting of member institutions, a Scientific Advisory Council, and a small Secretariat responsible for day-to-day operations. Funding comes from international research grants, member contributions, and partnerships with government agencies and industry groups. Citru emphasizes open data, while respecting plant breeders’ rights and ensuring that benefits reach smallholder farmers and producer communities.

Critics have noted that funding sources can influence priorities, and debates continue about data sharing, access, and benefit-sharing. Proponents argue that Citru’s collaborative model accelerates breeding for resilience in the face of citrus diseases and climate change.