I'm not sure that it is possible, Lori. I just know that's why it didn't work that time. I removed the faulty code, which is why it's gone, but I probably should have tried correcting the code instead.
Speaking strictly for myself, I have to admit that italicizing the names of genera is very low on my list of priorities. In fact, I shudder to think of the thousands of comments and other data entries that would have to be corrected in order to preserve uniformity. I also think it might deter the posting of comments. I know that I don't want to be bothered by using coding every time I type the name of a genus or species, and I might choose not to post the comment instead.