The Microbiology and Cell Science (MCS) Department is committed to excellence in education, research, and service to the community especially the citrus industry. There are multiple areas of research that include:

• CRISPR/Cas genome editing of citrus
• Genetic determinants and the signaling pathway underlying a pathogen (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus)-triggered immune disease-citrus Huanglongbing
• Pathogen-triggered immune diseases
• Transcriptional activator like effectors of Xanthomonas citri citri and canker susceptibility gene
• Huanglongbing (citrus greening) and canker management
• Citrus microbiome

At CREC, the MCS lab has pioneered transgene-free CRISPR citrus genome editing in the world. Many Ph.D. students have graduated and multiple visiting scholars from all over the world have been trained at the CREC MCS lab. The lab is recognized as a Center of Excellence in genome editing by the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA).