[Avodah] A Race to Save the Orange by Altering Its DNA - Esrog problem?

[Joe Slater]

R' Chaim Manaster asked:

> If this microbial attack is on citrus in general then has anyone heard
> whether the esrog has been affected and is in danger much like the orange?
>

My understanding is that all citrus fruit are potentially in danger.
Esrogim (Citrus medica) have been found to be susceptible to infection,
although I don't know whether they are affected as badly as oranges. It's
worth keeping in mind that consumers demand only the most beautiful esrogim
for the mitzva and growers manage to supply this even though esrogim are
notoriously susceptible to infection: they just throw away a huge number of
less-beautiful specimens. The economics of this are such that the most
beautiful fruit pay for the whole orchard. So even if many esrogim are
infected I'm sure we'll have plenty of kosher ones, perhaps even plenty of
beautiful ones.

As for the DNA modification, I have no idea but I suspect it would not be
accepted.

All the best,
Joe Slater
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