 Tanishka Aglave, a student at Strawberry Crest High School and daughter of Dr. Balaji Aglave, Research Director at Florida Ag Research, was awarded the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a new approach to managing Citrus Greening Disease (Huanglongbing, HLB) At Florida Ag Research, we are proud to support the next generation of scientists whose work is shaping the future of agriculture. That commitment was recently recognized nationally when Tanishka Aglave, daughter of our Research Director Dr. Balaji Aglave, received the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Her project, “Reviving Citrus, Reviving Florida,” explored an eco-friendly solution to Citrus Greening Disease (Huanglongbing, HLB) — the bacterial disease that has devastated Florida’s citrus industry. The work was carried out in Florida Ag Research’s laboratories and groves in Thonotosassa, underscoring the role our facilities play in advancing field-based science. Promising Results for Growers Using qPCR diagnostics, chlorophyll analysis, gas exchange measurements, and regression modeling, Tanishka’s trials demonstrated a 63% reduction in disease severity and a 95% improvement in plant vigor with a biological formulation derived from curry leaf extract (Murraya koenigii). Research showed that this formulation could be used on its own or rotated with oxytetracycline, offering growers both a cost-effective and sustainable tool for HLB management. Beyond the Science The project extended well beyond the research plots. Tanishka partnered with the Citrus Research and Development Foundation’s Grove-First initiative, worked alongside USDA scientists and citrus growers, delivered presentations at grower meetings, and authored a children’s book, The Story of Oranges, to raise awareness about citrus health with younger audiences. In Their Words “This recognition is a reflection of the scientists who inspired and guided me. I am deeply grateful to the Florida Ag Research team and to Dr. Frank V. Sances, President & CEO of Ag Metrics Group, for providing the scientific foundation that enabled me to contribute to the fight against Citrus Greening.” — Tanishka Aglave “As a scientist, I am proud of the rigor behind Tanishka’s work. By applying qPCR diagnostics and precision crop physiology tools, she demonstrated a viable eco-friendly alternative to synthetic antibiotics for HLB management. As a father, it is rewarding to see her pursue this work with passion and commitment.” — Dr. Balaji Aglave, Research Director, Florida Ag Research Supporting Future Innovation HLB remains one of the most pressing challenges in Florida agriculture. By providing facilities, mentorship, and scientific expertise, Florida Ag Research is proud to play a role in supporting the young scientists whose ideas and innovation will help safeguard the future of citrus. For more information about the research results, please contact Florida Ag Research at https://www.agmetricsgroup.com/contact Read the full press release here: 
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