Abstract
Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) and is the most serious disease affecting bananas (Musa spp.). The fungus is classified into Foc race 1 (R1), Foc race 2, and Foc race 4 based on host specificity. As the rate of spread and the ranges of the devastation of the Foc races exceed the centre of the banana’s origin, even in non-targeted cultivars, there is a possibility of variation in virulence-associated genes. Therefore, the present study investigates the genome assembly of Foc races that infect the Cavendish (AAA) banana group in India, specifically those of the vegetative compatibility group (VCG) 0124 (race 1), 0120 (subtropical race 4), and 01213/16 (tropical race 4). While comparing the general features of the genome sequences (e.g., RNAs, GO, SNPs, and InDels), the study also looked at transposable elements, phylogenetic relationships, and virulence-associated effector genes, and sought insights into race-specific molecular mechanisms of infection based on the presence of unique genes. The results of the analyses revealed variations in the organisation of genome assembly and virulence-associated genes, specifically secreted in xylem (SIX) genes, when compared to their respective reference genomes. The findings contributed to a better understanding of Indian Foc genomes, which will aid in the development of effective Fusarium wilt management techniques for various Foc VCGs in India and beyond.
Highlights
India is the world’s largest producer of the fifth most vital horticultural fruit crop, the banana (Musa spp.) [1]
We observed a noticeable difference in the Foc genome of Indian races, larger genome size, when compared to well-known Foc genome assemblies reported from other parts of the world
When compared to Foc genome assemblies reported from other parts of the world, When compared to Foc genome assemblies reported from other parts of the world, this this comparative whole-genome sequence analysis revealed significant differences in Incomparative whole-genome sequence analysis revealed significant differences in Indian Foc dian Foc races in terms of genome size and protein-coding regions
Summary
India is the world’s largest producer of the fifth most vital horticultural fruit crop, the banana (Musa spp.) [1]. Several diseases wreak havoc on banana production around the world, Fusarium wilt, caused by a soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. In India, production losses caused by the devastating wilt disease severely harm the national economy as well as the livelihoods of banana farmers [3]. Rapid, accurate, and early diagnostic procedures, as well as the effective implementation of quarantine/control measures, are critical for the effective containment of the disease [4]. The first record of Fusarium wilt disease was reported in Java in the 18th century, in the most widely cultivated banana strain at the time, Gros Michel [5]. The disease has spread to many banana-growing countries, including a recent outbreak of the disease in the Cavendish banana in India involving Foc Race 1 (VCG0124), Foc subtropical race 4 (STR4, VCG01220) [6] and Foc tropical race 4 (TR4, VCG01213/16) [7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
