AAB Group Research Articles

Physical, functional and bioactive properties of microencapsulated powders from banana pseudostem and inflorescence extracts

Application of agricultural by-products in the functional food and beverage industry is currently gaining prominence. Banana (Musa spp) is a popular tropical fruit with global production of 124.97 million tonnes. The banana production industry contributes to large amount of solid waste/ banana by-products, such as, pseudostem and inflorescence. Palayankodan (Musa × paradisiaca Mysore AAB group), Nendran (Musa × paradisiaca AAB group) and Njalipoovan (Musa × paradisiaca AB group) are three popular and common cultivars in Kerala, a state in South India. The present study was aimed to extract the potential bioactive compounds from the pseudostem and inflorescence of the above-mentioned cultivars and to standardise the process of microencapsulation using spray drying. Ultrasonication assisted extraction using ethanol as solvent was carried out. The extract and wall material parameters were standardised for microencapsulation. The encapsulated powders were analysed for encapsulation yield, retention efficiency, physical properties, phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and anti-diabetic activity. The encapsulation yields and retention efficiencies of the encapsulated powders were found to be approximately 75 and 70.51%, respectively. Results revealed that the powders exhibited lower bulk density, good solubility and reconstitutability. Scanning electron microscopy was also conducted to reveal the particle morphology. All the powders exhibited smooth, spherical shape, with no pores. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the encapsulated pseudostem and inflorescence extract powders ranged from 2.75 to 3.13 mg GAE/ g of powder and 34.83 to 46.67 mg QE/g of powder, respectively. The present study also reported the in vitro bioactive properties, in terms of antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of the encapsulated powders. The HPLC analysis of the microencapsulated powders revealed the presence of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, trans cinnamic acid, trans ferulic acid, epicatechin and syringic acid. It is clear from the study that the encapsulated powders from banana by-products have a great potential to be utilised by the functional food industry.Graphical

Exploring the diversity and evolutionary strategies of prophages in Hyphomicrobiales, comparing animal-associated with non-animal-associated bacteria

The Hyphomicrobiales bacterial order (previously Rhizobiales) exhibits a wide range of lifestyle characteristics, including free-living, plant-association, nitrogen-fixing, and association with animals (Bartonella and Brucella). This study explores the diversity and evolutionary strategies of bacteriophages within the Hyphomicrobiales order, comparing animal-associated (AAB) with non-animal-associated bacteria (NAAB). We curated 560 high-quality complete genomes of 58 genera from this order and used the PHASTER server for prophage annotation and classification. For 19 genera with representative genomes, we curated 96 genomes and used the Defense-Finder server to summarize the type of anti-phage systems (APS) found in this order. We analyzed the genetic repertoire and length distributions of prophages, estimating evolutionary rates and comparing intact, questionable, and incomplete prophages in both groups. Analyses of best-fit parameters and bootstrap sensitivity were used to understand the evolutionary processes driving prophage gene content. A total of 1860 prophages distributed in Hyphomicrobiales were found, 695 in AAB and 1165 in the NAAB genera. The results revealed a similar number of prophages per genome in AAB and NAAB and a similar length distribution, suggesting shared mechanisms of genetic acquisition of prophage genes. Changes in the frequency of specific gene classes were observed between incomplete and intact prophages, indicating preferential loss or enrichment in both groups. The analysis of best-fit parameters and bootstrap sensitivity tests indicated a higher selection coefficient, induction rate, and turnover in NAAB genomes. We found 68 types of APS in Hyphomicrobiales; restriction modification (RM) and abortive infection (Abi) were the most frequent APS found for all Hyphomicrobiales, and within the AAB group. This classification of APS showed that NAAB genomes have a greater diversity of defense systems compared to AAB, which could be related to the higher rates of prophage induction and turnover in the latter group. Our study provides insights into the distributions of both prophages and APS in Hyphomicrobiales genomes, demonstrating that NAAB carry more defense systems against phages, while AAB show increased prophage stability and an increased number of incomplete prophages. These results suggest a greater role for domesticated prophages within animal-associated bacteria in Hyphomicrobiales.

BIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF LOCALLY GROWN BANANA CULTIVARS AND THE CAPABILITY OF THEIR PSEUDOSTEM SAP AS AN ALTERNATIVE ELECTROLYTE FOR WET CELL

This study used the qualitative and quantitative experimental research design to establish the biological profile of the banana cultivars and the capability of their pseudostem sap as an alternative electrolyte for wet cell. Data were gathered by collecting banana sap and placing it in a 12-volt wet cell battery and observed at different time intervals. Mean, ANOVA, Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, LSD and pairwise comparison were used to determine significant differences between potential voltage and time interval. Bungulan, Lakatan, and Morado are derived from Musa Acuminata, while the Bulkan, Dippig, and Tordan are from the species of Musa Acuminata x Musa balbisiana. However, each cultivar is a member of a separate group, including the AABB, Cavendish subgroup of the AAA, AA, AAA, ABB, and AAB Group. The pH of the substrate is neutral, while the pH of newly harvested pseudostem sap turns acidic after 4 weeks of storage. The effects of the treatments, time interval, and their interactions produced a highly significant difference. The positive and negative control, and the six cultivars are statistically and significantly different from one another while Bungulan, Morado and Tordan cultivars are statistically the same. Week 1 had the highest voltage recorded and statistically the same mean voltages as in Weeks 2 and 4 with the lowest voltage seen in Week 3.The interaction of the sulfuric acid, distilled water, cultivars, and time interval yielded different voltage and are not statistically comparable. The pseudostem sap of the different banana cultivars contained in a 12-volt wet cell battery can lit the 5, 10 and 15-watts LED bulbs until the fourth week of storage.Using the pairwise comparisons, the treatments are statistically the same with one another. Hence, the banana pseudostem sap can be used as an alternative electrolyte for wet cell.

Regeneration of Raja (Musa AAB Group) and Kepok (Musa ABB Group) bananas on various stages of in vitro culture

Banana group can be divided into two groups based on their method of its utilization. Banana group that can be eaten immediately after ripening is called "dessert banana", e.g., Raja, while the group that needs particular processing before consumption is called "plantain banana", e.g., Kepok. This study aimed to compare the growth of Raja banana with Kepok plantain through experiments at three stages of the in vitro culture media: the shoot initiation, shoot multiplication, and plantlet acclimatization, also to compare the growth of Raja bananas with Kepok plantains in response to cytokinins BAP and TDZ at shoot multiplication stage. Planting material was in the form of rhizomes that was prepared with the same size. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design. Results showed that Kepok plantain could adapt faster to the media condition than Raja banana; the phenomenon was evident in the growing speed of Kepok during shoot initiation stage. The proportion of the B genome did not show a direct effect on shoot induction at the multiplication stage or enlargement and organ formation at the acclimatization stage. Shoot induction at the multiplication stage depended more on the composition of the media used. The combination of BAP 3 mg L-1 and TDZ 0.01 mg L-1 in MS media produced the best shoot induction rate, and TDZ 0.01 mg L-1 in MS media had the highest shoot elongation rate.
 Keywords: banana, BAP, genome, PGR, plantain, TDZ

Index based selection of treatments and genotypes for the in-vitro shoot regeneration in banana

The in vitro shoot regeneration studies for four banana cultivars (Poovan, Karpuravalli, Rasthali andMonthan) was conducted via shoot tip culture using three plant bioregulators (PBRs) viz., 6-Benzylaminopurine(BAP), Kinetin (KIN) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in different combinations and concentrations. Shootregeneration revealed the significant effects of various PBRs combinations. This study utilized index basedselection, for the selection of best treatments and cultivars for shoot regeneration in bananas. Based on theSmith’s selection index score, the PBRs combination T6 (BAP@5.0mg/l+NAA@0.5mg/l) which ranked first (0.24)was selected as the best PBRs combination for shoot regeneration. Among the cultivars, ‘Rasthali’ (-0.76) whichranked first was selected as the best genotype for shoot regeneration in bananas. However, the combinedeffect of hormonal combination (T6) and cultivar ‘Poovan’ (2.61) ranked first. These results also showed that theresponse of ABB type (Karpuravalli and Monthan) was poorer than that of the AAB group (Poovan and Rasthali)indicating that, the in vitro regeneration was much influenced by the genotype of plant species and the type ofexplants material as well as the type of PBR combinations. Overall, the cultivar-specific regeneration protocolproved essential for better in vitro regeneration of banana.

Metabolic profiling reveals genotype-associated alterations in carotenoid content during banana postharvest ripening

Banana fruits have attracted considerable attention for health-promoting effects attributed to ubiquitous functional metabolites. However, genotype-dependent accumulation patterns of carotenoids in banana remain largely unclear. Here, we performed a systematic metabolomic investigation of 18 banana cultivars of the AAA, AAB, or ABB genome groups. Our results indicate that the levels of soluble sugars increase during postharvest ripening regardless of genotype, whereas amino acids (AAs) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-derived organic acids display genotype-dependent patterns. The levels of AAs derived from the glycolytic pathway increased, whereas those derived from the TCA cycle significantly decreased during ripening. The carotenoid composition in banana pulp was genotype-specific, and the contents of α-carotene were the highest in AAA-genome bananas. Moreover, high α-carotene and β-carotene contents in banana were correlated with elevated levels of TCA cycle-derived AAs and decreased levels of glycolysis-derived AAs. Taken together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of genotype-associated carotenoid accumulation, thereby facilitating the breeding of future high carotenoid banana cultivars.

Extraction and Evaluation: The Viability of the Three Varieties of Banana (Musa Paradisiaca) Exocarps as Potential Sources of Acetic Acid

The banana (Musa paradisiaca) exocarps have been a substantial source for maintaining human health and are the fast-growing herbaceous perennials arising from underground rhizomes. The ripe banana is useful in acidity. This study aimed to evaluate how the banana exocarps from ripe ones, can be made into vinegar. Also, to properly analyze the physicochemical properties (pH and color) and to determine the acetic acid content of the three selected varieties of banana exocarps if it conforms to the set standards. The most accessible in producing acidity is the Latundan (Musa acuminata musa balbisiana AAB Group), but all of the samples are accessible in producing acidity. In pH determination the highest in acidity is Lacatan (Musa acuminata C.) pH 4, while the Cardaba (Musa acuminata balbisiana ABB Group), is pH 3.5, and the lowest is the Latundan pH 3. All of the samples do not have pleasant odor, furthermore the samples well tested and undergo many stages of pasteurization. Thus, the study encourages further development of some spices and food additives and by application of new principles discovered, aside from extending the fermentation time.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential of Raja Bulu Banana Peel and Heart (Musa acuminata Colla (AAB group)) Ethanol Extracts in MCF-7 Cell Lines

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled cell growth in breast tissue. Surgical treatments of breast cancer can reduce breast aesthetics and chemotherapy can cause severe side effects. It makes the searches for plants as breast anticancer agents intensively carried out. Several studies have shown that banana peels and hearts possess antioxidant and anticancer activity. This study aims to determine the fruit peel and heart of Raja Bulu banana (Musa acuminata Colla (AAB group)), an endemic banana species in Indonesia, potential as antioxidant and anticancer agent in MCF-7 cells. Antioxidant potential was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity assay. Anticancer potential was determined by cytotoxic test using MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium). The results showed that 70% ethanol extract of fruit peel (PBEE) and heart (HBEE) of Raja Bulu banana had median inhibition concentration (IC50) for DPPH scavenging activity at 115.32 µg/mL and 162.52 µg/mL respectively, while for H2O2 scavenging activity at 624.80 µg/mL and 497.13 µg/mL respectively. Anticancer potential was expressed by inhibiting concentration of 50% proliferation (IC50) of MCF-7 cells for PBEE and HBEE were 115.001 µg/mL and 338.469 µg/mL respectively. This study showed that PBEE and HBEE have antioxidant and anticancer.

Quick Method to Quantify the Potassium and Sodium Content Variation in Leaves of Banana Varieties.

The current study describes novel and quick methods for the quantification of K+ and Na+ in banana leaves using Horiba Laqua twin ion meters. Foliar K+ and Na+ content measured by ion meter significantly correlated with standard test values by coefficients of 0.83 and 0.46, respectively. About 48 absorbance values associated with potassium concentrations at wave numbers (1581 to 1583 and 3194 to 3410 cm-1) and 15 sodium associated wave numbers (3773 to 3996 cm-1) predicted potassium and sodium content with regression coefficients of 0.999 and 0.588, respectively. K+ and Na+ cations of fresh leaves in seven banana varieties were quantified using ion meters and new information of differences in the foliar potassium and sodium contents was found between banana varieties within the AAB group. The Rasbali (Silk subgroup) variety possessed greater potassium (5413 mg/L) and sodium (188 mg/L) ions than Amti (Mysore subgroup).

Antioxidant enzyme activities during somatic embryogenesis in Musa acuminata Colla (AAA group) ‘Grand Naine’ and Musa spp. (AAB group) ‘Rasthali’

Antioxidant enzymes play a major role in scavenging reactive oxygen species that arise during somatic embryogenesis (SE). Activity levels of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were investigated during developmental stages of SE of Musa acuminata Colla (AAA group) ‘Grand Naine’ and Musa spp. (AAB group) ‘Rasthali’. Using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, five POX isoforms were detected in ‘Rasthali’, and four POX isoforms were observed in ‘Grand Naine’. The POX1 isoform was highly expressed in non-embryogenic callus (NEC) of both cultivars, and the POX2 isoform was present in somatic embryos (se) at 0, 30, 45, and 60 d of development of ‘Rasthali’, but not ‘Grand Naine’. Among two CAT isoforms, the CAT2 isoform showed higher expression in embryonic stages than in vegetative stages in explants and NEC of both cultivars. A total of five SOD isoforms detected in different developmental stages of both cultivars, SOD4 and SOD5, were detected only during the developmental stages of se. The enzyme assay showed that the highest CAT and SOD activity was in embryogenic callus (EC) of both cultivars, whereas activity of POX was reduced in EC. During somatic embryo development, the activity of SOD, POX, and CAT was found to be higher in the early globular stage than in the later coleoptilar stage embryos. During germination, the activity of SOD and POX was found to be higher in germinating se of ‘Grand Naine’. The specifically detected isoforms can be used as biochemical markers.

Integration of soil and foliar nutrition in influencing the yield related characters, yield and economics of nendran banana (musa aab group) and the soil nutrient status of cropped field

Integration of soil and foliar nutrition in influencing the yield related characters, yield and economics of nendran banana (musa aab group) and the soil nutrient status of cropped field

Bactericidal Effect of the Leaf Extract from Musa spp. (AAB Group, Silk Subgroup), cv. "Manzano" Against Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Air-dried leaves of a Musa spp. AAB, cv. “Manzano” plant, known as Ja'as in the Maya culture, were sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol; the resulting extracts were investigated for their antimycobacterial activity against susceptible and drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) using the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay. Both the n-hexane extract (HE) and ethyl acetate extract (EE) showed potent activity against both strains of MTB, with the EE exhibiting the strongest activity and a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 12.5 and 6.25 μg/mL against susceptible and drug-resistant strains, respectively. Both extracts also demonstrated a mycobactericidal effect and a very good selectivity index when tested for cytotoxic activity on Vero monkey kidney cells, using the Sulforhodamine B assay. Our results demonstrate the efficiency and selectivity of Musa spp. AAB, cv. “Manzano” against MTB strains and support its traditional use as remedy against tuberculosis in Maya traditional medicine.

Suppressiveness or conduciveness to Fusarium wilt of bananas differs between key Australian soils

Soils are known to differ in suppressiveness to soil-borne diseases, but the suppressiveness or otherwise to Fusarium wilt of Australian soils used to grow bananas is unknown. In this work we tested the relative suppressiveness of six key soil types. Banana (Musa (AAB group) ‘Pome’, cultivar ‘Lady Finger’) was grown in pots of the soils inoculated or not with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc) ‘Race 1’. Sixteen weeks after inoculation the plants were harvested and disease severity was assessed by measuring discoloration within the rhizome. In the inoculated pots, disease severity was greatest in the alluvial Liverpool and Virgil soils and least in the basaltic origin Tolga soil. No disease was detected in the non-inoculated pots. Soils with the lowest disease severity had the highest root mass, irrespective of inoculation, and the largest (negative) effect of inoculation on root dry mass. Disease severity in inoculated pots was negatively correlated with soil clay content and β-glucosidase activity. The results indicate that the risk of Fusarium wilt negatively impacting banana growth differs between soils of the main Australian banana-growing region.

Differentially expressed genes during the transition from early to late development phases in somatic embryo of banana (Musa spp. AAB group, Silk subgroup) cv. Manzano

A cDNA-sequence-related amplified polymorphism (cDNA-SRAP) approach was used to identify relevant genes expressed at the onset of somatic embryo maturation/desiccation in banana (Musa spp. AAB group, Silk subgroup) cv. Manzano. For this, an embryogenic procedure, starting with cell suspensions, was first improved by including a culture period on a free growth-regulator medium for embryo maturation. This produced an up to 95% germination of the coleoptilar embryos. Gene expression patterns were followed through different stages of the process, including immature male flower explants, embryogenic calli, as well as immature, mature and germinated embryos. A total of 151 differentially expressed transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) were detected, sequenced, resulting in the identification of 71 by their similitude to accessions deposited in different data bases. The participation of four of these genes, putatively involved in the banana somatic embryogenesis, was further analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR). This confirmed their preferential expression at the transition from embryo early development to maturation. Noteworthy, tryptophan aminotransferase relate 2 (TAR2), which is involved in the indole-3-pyruvic acid dependent auxin biosynthesis, corresponded to one of the upregulated four genes, suggesting the requirement of this growth regulator at the transition stage. This study opens the path for future in-depth studies of molecular and biochemical events occurring during in vitro somatic embryogenesis in edible bananas.

English

Plantains are important sources of high-calorie energy in Ghana. They are also of great socio-economic importance in the country, and very important sources of rural income. Although several species exist all over the world, plantains belonging to the AAB group are unique to West Africa and Ghanaian collections have unique features and peculiar taste. Morphological and biochemical characterization are the popular techniques used to characterize plantain genotypes in Ghana. Thus, there is limited report on molecular characterization of plantains genotypes. Characterization based on morphologic characteristics alone may be limited since the expression of quantitative traits is subjective to strong environmental influence. Alternatively, molecular characterization techniques are capable of identifying polymorphism represented by differences in DNA sequences. The objective of this research was therefore to conduct molecular characterization of Ghanaian local accessions of plantain and assess relationship amongst known genotypic groups (populations). This study sampled 40 accessions of plantains representing four popular genotypic groups. Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) were used to assess diversity in reference to a set of global Musa collections. The 40 accessions of plantain were clustered into populations as being French plantain, True Horn, False Horn, and Hybrid prior to analysis. PopGene version 32 was used to analyze the data. This revealed that the overall plantain population used have Shannon’s Informative Index (I) value of 0.61±0.28 in the overall plantain population,  100% polymorphism for all loci, 2.7±0.67 and 1.81±0.45 for ne and na respectively. Average heterozygosity was 0.34±0.17, loci mMaCIR231 and mMaCIR07 were the most informative, having I values of 0.85 and 0.81 respectively. The Fis and Fit values were both negative indicating lack of inbreeding and the gene flow value was 0.533. The study also revealed relationship among the various populations (French plantain, True Horn, False Horn, and Hybrid) on basis of molecular characterization. Key words: Characterization, false horn, french plantain, molecular, PopGene, simple sequence repeats, true horn.  

Germplasm screening of Musa spp. for resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4)

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) has seriously threatened global banana production. Recently, identification of Foc TR4 in the Caribbean and Mozambique has aroused widespread concern because it may be directly related to food security for millions of people in Africa and Latin America. To identify a resistant or highly resistant germplasm, 129 accessions were evaluated for Foc TR4 resistance in greenhouses and 100 of them were also assessed in the field. In total, 10 accessions were highly resistant (HR) to Foc TR4; these include four from the AA group, two from the BB group, one of the East African highland bananas (EAHBs), two plantains, and one from wild relatives of banana. Of these, Pahang (AA), Calcutta 4 (AA), and Musa itinerans exhibited the highest degree of resistance with an index of disease (ID2) less than 10, and Foc TR4 could not infect any of them in the field. Furthermore, 31 accessions from AA, AB, AAB, AAAB, and ABB groups and wild relatives were identified as a resistant (R) germplasms. All tested EAHBs and plantains exhibited resistance or high resistance to Foc TR4 infection. Our results provide valuable genetic resources for banana breeding and for studying the mechanisms underlying Fusarium wilt resistance. Furthermore, evaluation of EAHBs and plantains provided a rational for local banana producers and researchers to grow EAHBS and plantains.

Genetic diversity studies among AAB group Indian banana cultivars using ISSR markers

Banana and plantains are generally classified based on morphological characteristics namely AA, AAA, AB, AAB and ABB. Further, there are four sub-groups in AAB genomic group. Presently we analyzed diversity using ISSR markers in 18 cultivars of AAB genomic group along with two each of AA types and BB wild accessions for comparison. The results have shown that AAB cultivars form a separate group. Dendrogram analysis showed that the subgroups ‘Plantain’ ‘Silk’ and ‘Mysore’ were placed in between AA and BB type. Whereas ten cultivars of ‘Pome’ sub group of the cultivars were unique and was placed in a separate cluster. In this study using ISSR markers, we are able to identify the subgroups clearly and their genetic relationships within the AAB group. The cultivars Rasthali and Nendran were clearly separated. The Pome sub-group cultivars found to be in a group which may be based on their geographical origin.

Genome-wide analyses of SWEET family proteins reveal involvement in fruit development and abiotic/biotic stress responses in banana

Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET) are a novel type of sugar transporter that plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes. From banana, for the first time, 25 SWEET genes which could be classified into four subfamilies were identified. Majority of MaSWEETs in each subfamily shared similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of two banana genotypes revealed differential expression patterns of MaSWEETs in different tissues, at various stages of fruit development and ripening, and in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. More than 80% MaSWEETs were highly expressed in BaXi Jiao (BX, Musa acuminata AAA group, cv. Cavendish), in sharp contrast to Fen Jiao (FJ, M. acuminata AAB group) when pseudostem was first emerged. However, MaSWEETs in FJ showed elevated expression under cold, drought, salt, and fungal disease stresses, but not in BX. Interaction networks and co-expression assays further revealed that MaSWEET-mediated networks participate in fruit development signaling and abiotic/biotic stresses, which was strongly activated during early stage of fruit development in BX. This study provides new insights into the complex transcriptional regulation of SWEETs, as well as numerous candidate genes that promote early sugar transport to improve fruit quality and enhance stress resistance in banana.

Basil oil plus aluminium sulfate and modified atmosphere packaging controls Crown rot disease in Embul banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) during cold storage

Effect of basil oil spray treatment in combination with modified atmosphere packaging was investigated in controlling crown rot and extending the shelf life of Embul banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) at 12–14°C. Embul banana fruits were treated with 1% aluminium sulfate, 1% aluminium sulfate+0.4% basil oil and distilled water (control). Treated banana samples were packed in Low Density Polyethylene bags and stored at 12–14°C. In-package gases were analysed after 14days of cold storage. Physicochemical properties, nutritional properties, sensory properties and crown rot disease severity as well as residues in treated banana peel were determined in ripening induced fruits. Test marketing trials were conducted in fruit outlets in Dambulla and Kiribathgoda, Sri Lanka where treatments were provided to consumers and staff to obtain feedback on the quality of treated banana. At the end of 14days, O2 in packages remained between 3.1–3.7% while CO2 varied from 4.2 to 4.7%. 1% aluminium sulfate+oil treatment significantly controlled crown rot disease compared to others. Most of the physicochemical, sensory properties of aluminium sulfate+basil oil treated banana were not significantly different compared to control whereas nutritional properties of treated samples showed no drastic changes compared to control. Treated samples scored higher for peel colour and taste over control samples, by staff and consumers of fruit outlets. Consumers preferred basil oil treated banana over untreated due to their sweet and pleasant taste. Insignificant amount of residues persisted in treated banana. This current safe, eco-friendly treatment strategy could be recommended in preparing Embul as well as other banana varieties belonging to Musa acuminata, AAB group for commercial scale export to various destinations which require a transit time of two weeks.

Treatment Access and Survival Amongst British Asians with Pancreatic Cancer.

Despite increasingly mixed communities in large cities, there remains a paucity of absolute and comparative data concerning the treatment, access and survival of British Asians with pancreatic cancer. A prospective database of 1038 patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from 2003 to 2012 was analysed. Asian/Asian British was defined as patients identifying themselves as originating from India, Bangladesh or Pakistan. No significant difference was observed in gender split for both Asian/Asian British and White British (AAB and WB). The incidence of pancreas cancer was also equivalent between the two groups at 8.1 versus 8.8 per 100,000 of the population. Age at presentation was significantly younger in AABs when compared to WBs (67 vs. 70years, p=0.003). Whilst median maximal tumour diameter, node status and the incidence of metastases were not different between AABs and WBs, the AABs had a significantly greater median T-stage (3.0 versus 2.5, p=0.0024). The percentage of patients referred for chemotherapy was significantly higher in the AAB group (70.5 vs. 47.7%, p=0.0015). Overall survival and survival for patients having palliative treatment were significantly greater in AABs (4.6 vs. 6.1months and 3.7 vs. 5.1months). This study demonstrates that AAB patients are present with pancreatic cancer at a younger age and that when receiving palliative chemotherapy their survival is significantly better. Further studies and larger data sets over a longer period are required. It is important to examine further the complexity of incidence and survival in ethnic minorities and investigate the underlying reasons when differences are demonstrated.