University of Florida researchers aim to combat citrus-greening

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — It was all about the Gators Tuesday at Florida's Capitol.

University of Florida students, alumni, faculty, staff and administration came together to advocate for the school. They met with legislators and leaders from across the state and brought oranges from Gainesville with them.

Researchers at UF are growing them to be resistant to citrus-greening.

It's a disease that makes it hard for trees to take-in nutrients. Crop Data from the USDA shows orange production has dropped in the U.S. by about 6 million tons over the last decade.

And citrus greening plays a major role. But now, the University of Florida is trying to change that.

Researchers brought the oranges and orange juice as part of Gator Day at the Capitol. Gator Day has been celebrated for decades in the State Capitol.