Banana Accessions Research Articles

Response of host Indian Musa germplasm against artificially induced root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus coffeae)

Under greenhouse condition, the host response of fifty-nine banana genotypes (Musa spp.) from the Eumusa section to the root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus coffeae) was assessed. In a factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with five replications, healthy banana suckers of the diploid and triploid accessions were planted in cement pots. Uninoculated controls were included in the experiment as comparison to study the sensitivity of the genotypes. Two varieties (Pisang Lilin and Nendran) with known reaction to lesion nematode were also included as reference clones because of their resistance and susceptibility to P. coffeae. Banana accessions maintained in the pots were inoculated with infective juveniles of root-lesion nematode, P. coffeae at 45 days after planting at the rate of 400 nematodes/pot. Ninety days after inoculation, the plants were harvested to observe the response of the different banana genotypes to P. coffeae. Data were recorded on plant growth (plant height, girth at the base, number of standing leaves, number of roots and weight of the root system), root damage assessment (percentage of infected roots and percentage necrosis) and nematode reproduction. When inoculated with nematodes, the reduction in plant growth attributes was relatively higher in genotypes that were susceptible. The reduction in growth characters viz., plants height, number of roots and root fresh weight were maximum in the diploid genotypes Manguthamng (26.80, 27.2, 33.0 %) and Manohar (25.70, 29.2, 35.2 %) and in the triploid genotypes Kaali, Rajthali, Digjowa, Saapkal, Cheenichampa, Dasaman, Borchampa, Jahaji, Manjahaji, Barjahaji and Sabri when inoculated with Pratylenchus coffeae. Even after nematode inoculation, root investigations showed that resistant and tolerant genotypes had greater numbers of roots as well as high fresh and dry weight of roots. Root and soil population of nematodes assessed at 90 days after inoculation indicated very high population buildup of Pratylenchus coffeae (>28) in diploids Manguthamng and Nendrapadathi and in triploids Jahaji, Manjahaji, Saapkal, Borchampa, Therahaw-1163 and 1164, Ankur-I and Bersain. The rate was the lowest (<9) in the diploid genotypes Kanai Bansi, Kechulepa, M.balbisiana, Athiakol, Bhimkol and Aittakola and in the triploids Karthobiumtham and Ankur-II. The results of the experiment showed that the diploids Musa balbisiana (BB), Aittakola (BB), Bhimkol (BB), Kechulepa (BB), Kanai Bansi (AA) and Athiakol (BB) and the triploid genotypes Kachkel (ABB), Karthobiumtham (ABB) and Ankur-II (ABB) were resistant to Pratylenchus coffeae.

Morphological characterization of ornamental Banana accessions for vegetative traits in Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh

Morphological characterization of ornamental Banana accessions for vegetative traits in Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh

Collecting and managing in situ banana genetic resources information (Musa spp.) using online resources and citizen science.

The Musa Germplasm Information System (MGIS) stands as a pivotal database for managing global banana genetic resources information. In our latest effort, we have expanded MGIS to incorporate in situ observations. We thus incorporated more than 3000 in situ observations from 133 countries primarily sourced from iNaturalist, GBIF, Flickr, Pl@ntNet, Google Street view and expert curation of the literature. This addition provides a more comprehensive and detailed view of banana diversity and its distribution. Additional graphical interfaces, supported by new Drupal modules, were developed, allowing users to compare banana accessions and explore them based on various filters including taxonomy and geographic location. The integrated maps present a unified view, showcasing both in situ observations and the collecting locations of accessions held in germplasm collections. This enhancement not only broadens the scope of MGIS but also promotes a collaborative and open approach in documenting banana diversity, to allow more effective conservation and use of banana germplasm. Furthermore, this work documents a citizen-science approach that could be relevant for other communities. Database URL: https://www.crop-diversity.org/mgis/musa-in-situ.

Genetic diversity analysis of banana using SSR markers

Banana, a crucial fruit crop thriving in tropical and sub-tropical regions, facing a notable challenge of elevated sterility across various cultivated banana genotypes. This sterility issue hampers the cultivation of diverse banana varieties. Therefore, a focused endeavour is crucial to thoroughly investigate the richness of diversity within both wild and cultivated banana genotypes, aiming to preserve it for future utilization. In the present study, 21 Musa genotypes were collected from different places of North-Eastern Region, and conserved in the field gene bank at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura during 2015-2022. Molecular characterization and DNA fingerprinting of these banana accessions were performed by employing 16 banana SSR markers. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 15 to 24 with an average 20.375. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.564-0.967 with a mean of 0.852, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) varies from 0.638–0.945 (mean = 0.859). Genetic diversity analysis showed dissimilar groups, indicating possibility of involvement of different accuminata and balbisiana types in evaluation of banana in NE region. The outcome of the current study will be useful for des igning banana crops against different stresses

Genotype and ripening method affect carotenoid content and bio-accessibility in banana.

Bananas (Musa spp.) are a target crop for provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) biofortification programs aiming at reducing the negative impact on health caused by vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations. However, studies to understand the effect of ripening methods and stages and the genotype on carotenoid content and bioaccessibility in the banana germplasm are scarce. This study evaluated carotenoid content and bioaccessibility in 27 different banana accessions at three maturation stages and two ripening methods (natural ripening and ethylene ripening). Across most accessions, total carotenoid content (TCC) increased from unripe to ripe fruit; only two accessions showed a marginal decrease. The ripening method affected carotenoid accumulation; 18 accessions had lower TCC when naturally ripened compared with the ethylene ripening group, while nine accessions showed higher TCC when ripened with exogenous ethylene, suggesting that treating bananas with exogenous ethylene might directly affect TCC accumulation, but the response is accession dependent. Additionally, carotenoid bioaccessibility varied across genotypes and was correlated with the amount of soluble starch and resistant starch. These findings highlight the importance of ripening methods and genotypes in maximizing banana carotenoid content and bioaccessibility, which could contribute to improving pVACs delivery in biofortification programs.

Bananas and Their Wild Relatives in Pandeglang, Indonesia

Pandeglang is one of the banana producer regencies of Banten, Indonesia, that produce 924 tons per year. However, information regarding the diversity of banana germplasm in this region is unavailable. This study explored districts Cadasari, Banjar, Jiput, Labuan, and Menes. Morphological characters were noted and used to identify the cultivars, subspecies, or varieties. In total, 22 accessions were collected from 22 collection sites. Based on morphological characters, we described 14 banana accessions of 10 cultivars, three accessions of wild Musa acuminata and one of Musa balbisiana. Considering its genome composition, five genome types we described among these banana cultivars, i.e., AA (divided into AA and AA wild), BB, AAA, AAB, and ABB. In this study, we did a principal component analysis and saw that AA wild and AAB were clearly separated, but the other genome types were clustered partially or included in one cluster. Our study expands the information on banana diversity in Indonesia. Further study on the potential of this banana germplasm to be used as a genetic resource to find resistance to banana diseases is needed.

Deteksi Penyakit Layu Fusarium pada Pisang-Pisang Lokal di Pandeglang

Detection of Fusarium wilt on Local Bananas in Pandeglang
 Fusarium wilt of bananas or Panama disease, caused by Tropical Race4 (TR4), threatens the global banana industry. In Indonesia, the disease devastated Cavendish, an export variety, and many local bananas, such as Pisang Raja, Kepok, and Barangan. Nonetheless, TR4 incidence is unknown in many parts of Indonesia. This study aimed to detect TR4 in local bananas from Pandeglang, the most banana-produced area in Banten Province. A survey was conducted in nine Kecamatan i.e., Banjar, Cadasari, Jiput, Labuan, and Menes. In total, 13 banana accessions showed symptoms of fusarium wilt. Symptomatic pseudostem samples were plated on potato dextrose agar. The monosporic culture was derived from isolation and used for morphological identification and DNA extraction. Based on the morphological characteristics of Fusarium, 27 strains members of 3 species complexes were identified, i.e., F. cugenangense, F. foetens dan F. oxysporum (Fusarium oxysporum species complex; FOSC), F. equiseti dan F. incarnatum (Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex) dan F. solani (Fusarium solani species complex, currently named as Neocosmospora). Molecular detection of TR4 was done using duplex PCR of translation elongation factor-1α (Tef-1α) and TR4 primer specific, giving positive results only on TR4 strains, members of FOSC. This study enhances our knowledge of the spreading of TR4 in an unidentified area in Indonesia. Many of the local bananas in Pandeglang is susceptible to TR4, thus threaten banana cultivation in this area. Further study on the molecular analysis using more genes will give insight into the expanding genetic diversity of Fusarium causing wilt in Banana in the Indonesian collection.

In-situ characterization of Jatigede local Roid banana (Musa spp.) based on morphological and agronomical characteristics

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the agricultural commodities that’s widely cultivated and used by the local community. Currently, only 101 types of local varieties of bananas are registered in Indonesia; one of them is the Roid banana from Jatigede District. Roid bananas grow wild without any mandatory special care. Continuous use without any conservation and preservation efforts can lead to scarcity of Roid banana germplasm as a genetic resource. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the distribution and diversity of Roid bananas through in situ exploration and characterization activities. This study aimed to identify the potential for genetic diversity and develop conservation efforts for the local variety of Roid banana (Musa spp.) in Jatigede District. This research was conducted from November 2021 - March 2022 in three villages in Jatigede District: Ciranggem Village, Jemah Village, and Mekarasih Village. The research used exploratory, survey, and interview methods as data collection techniques. Based on the results of the study, Jatigede District has a wide genetic diversity and distant kinship among Roid banana accessions. Characters that contributed to genetic diversity among accessions were the width of the midrib margin, the diameter of the bunch, and the length of the pseudostem. MS1.3 was the selected accession with its potential characteristics: more combs in bunches, leaf width of 71-80 cm, leaf length of 171-220 cm, and the number of rhizomes > 5 tillers.

Evolution and Classification of Musaceae Based on Male Floral Morphology.

Classification of the banana family (Musaceae) into three genera, Musa, Ensete and Musella, and infrageneric ranking are still ambiguous. Within the genus Musa, five formerly separated sections were recently merged into sections Musa and Callimusa based on seed morphology, molecular data and chromosome numbers. Nevertheless, other key morphological characters of the genera, sections, and species have not been clearly defined. This research aims to investigate male floral morphology, classify members of the banana family based on overall similarity of morphological traits using 59 banana accessions of 21 taxa and make inferences of the evolutionary relationships of 57 taxa based on ITS, trnL-F, rps16 and atpB-rbcL sequences from 67 Genbank and 10 newly collected banana accessions. Fifteen quantitative characters were examined using principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis and 22 qualitative characters were analyzed by the Unweighted Pair Group Method with an Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). The results showed that fused tepal morphology, median inner tepal shape and length of style supported the three clades of Musa, Ensete and Musella, while shapes of median inner tepal and stigma classified the two Musa sections. In conclusion, a combination of morphological characters of male flowers and molecular phylogenetics well support the taxonomic arrangement within the banana family and the Musa genus and assist in selection of characters to construct an identification key of Musaceae.

Diversity of <i>Fusarium</i> Endophytes Isolated from Wild Bananas in Pandenglang, Indonesia

A group of Fusarium spp., in the Fusarium oxysporum species complex is known as pathogens on bananas, i.e., Fusarium wilt or Panama Disease. However, many Fusarium spp. are also known to be endophytes inside healthy banana plants and have been less explored and investigated. Fusarium endophytes have been demonstrated to be effective against the Fusarium pathogen that causes wilting in some crops such as tomatoes and watermelon. Thus, we explored endophytes Fusarium from local bananas in Pandenglang Banten for further use as biocontrol of Fusarium wilt. Four wild banana accessions were identified, from which 9 Fusarium isolates recovered from its pseudostems asymptomatic plants. All isolates were characterized based on their morphological characters and sequence of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene. These isolates belong to four complexes of Fusarium i.e. Fusarium equiseti species complex, Fusarium oxysporum species complex, Fusarium sambucinum species complex, and Fusarium solani species complex (currently described as Neocosmospora). Further study on molecular characterization of these isolates using specific genes and their potential antagonists of pathogens still needs to be discovered for other use as a biocontrol against Fusarium wilt.

Analysis of genetic diversity and agronomic variation in banana sub-populations for genomic selection under drought stress in southern Benin

In the perspective of investigating genomic selection (GS) among Musa genotypes in West and Central Africa, banana accessions were phenotyped under natural drought stress in Benin and genotyped using genotyping by sequencing. Sixty-one (61) accessions grouped into three major genomic groups AAA, AAB and ABB and those without genomic affiliation information were used. Variation within the population was determined by phenotypic variables while population structure and clustering analysis were carried out to understand the genetic diversity at the molecular level. Among the genomic groups evaluated, the group AAB showed the best performance for fruit weight at maturity, (3.41 ± 1.99 kg) and for plant height (198.46 ± 12.66 cm). At the accession level, HD 117 S1 and NIA 27 showed the best plant height (263.16 ± 20.98 cm) and the best fruit weight at maturity (9.43 ± 0.0 kg) respectively. Phenotypic data did not reveal clear genetic diversity among accessions; however, the genetic diversity was conspicuous at the molecular level using 5000 markers. The affiliations of local accessions in genomic groups were determined for the first time based on the phenotypic and molecular data obtained in this study. The knowledge generated allows the possibility to apply GS in banana.

Resistência horizontal e vertical da bananeira ao nematoide cavernícola depende do nível de agressividade ou da virulência da população do nematoide

Abstract The burrowing nematode Radopholus similis is among the most damaging pathogens. Resistant plants are one of the most promising approaches for nematode control, and knowledge of resistance and aggressiveness components is essential to understand resistance genetics and developing new cultivars. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the degree of resistance of eight banana accessions to populations of R. similis to verify differences in the reproduction capacity between nematode populations and to study the horizontal/vertical resistance and aggressiveness/ virulence components of Musa spp. and R. similis pathosystem. The accessions 4249-05, 4279-06, Yangambi Km5, 0323-03, 0337-02, 1304-06, Borneo and Grande Naine were inoculated with one of three R. similis populations from the Brazilian states of Pernambuco, Distrito Federal, and Santa Catarina and kept in a greenhouse. Accessions 4249-05, Yangambi Km5, 0323-03, and 4279-06 showed different resistance levels, and the Pernambuco population had the highest reproductive capacity. Using Griffing Model IV, evidence of vertical and horizontal resistance was observed, with accessions 4249-05 and Yangambi km5 showing the highest levels of horizontal resistance.

Epidermal Structure and Leaf Stomata of Several Accessions of Banana Plants (Musa spp.)

This study aimed to determine the structure of epidermal cells and leaf stomata in Jarum, Merah, Tanduk, Kepok, and Pei or wild banana. The type of research used was quantitative to calculate the number of epidermis, epidermal cell size, number of stomata, and stomata index. Meanwhile, qualitatively described the structure of epidermal cells, epidermal cell shape, stomata shape, and stomata type of banana leaves based on the longitudinal incision method. The results showed that four accessions of bananas have epidermal cell shapes: rectangular, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagonal, and regularly length. Meanwhile, Merah have different epidermal cell shapes, namely rectangular, pentagon, hexagon, and irregular, with untidy arrangements. The stomata of the five samples are surrounded by four to six subsidiary cells and are kidney-shaped. Based on the location of the leaf surface, stomata in five banana accessions have an amphistomatic type. Pei or wild bananas have a long epidermal size compared to the other four species but have a small number of epidermis. Then, the number of stomata in all banana species differs on the upper and lower surfaces. The number of stomata is more on the lower surface of the leaves. Stomata index in all banana species is low

Identification of suitable internal control genes for gene expression analysis of banana in response to BBTV infection

Banana is one of the most abundant crops produced annually in the Philippines. The presence of banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) leading to banana bunchy top disease is one of the factors hindering the continuous production of the fruit crop. The use of an appropriate and stable internal control gene as reference in validation of differentially-expressed genes in an organism is important. This study aims to identify appropriate internal control genes for differential gene expression analysis in Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata specific for BBTV infection. RNA extraction, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis and RT-qPCR (quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction) of BBTV-resistant and BBTV-susceptible Musa genotypes were performed. The RT-qPCR quantification data were then subjected to analysis on RefFinder software and geomean ranking values were calculated along with the four statistical algorithms (delta Cq, Genorm, BestKeeper and NormFinder). Based on the comprehensive ranking values in the software, L2 gene was the most suitable internal control gene for the differential expression analysis of both BBTV-resistant and BBTV-susceptible banana accessions. The internal control gene is recommended for the validation of selected candidate resistance and host factor genes in response to BBTV infection.

Banana Bunchy Top Virus Molecular Confirmation and DNA-S Phylogenetic of some Banana Isolates from Indonesia

This study was aimed to confirms the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) infection of ten banana accessions from Indonesia through PCR assay using primer of BBTV coat protein (CP) gene, also the sequences characteristics and phylogeny. Preliminary morphological results showed five acessions were positively infected with slight to severe intensity symptoms i.e. Pisang Berlin, Candi, Billa, Morosebo, and Mas Kripik; and five accessions were symptomless i.e. M. acuminata var. rutilifes and M. balbisiana, Pisang Ebung, Madu and Moseng. However, PCR results qualitatively confirms that all accessions were positively infected. Two sizes of amplicons were identified. Pisang Candi isolate was showing ±500 bp amplicons, whereas the others were ±1000-1100 bp. The total aligned and selected BBTV CP sequences of 36 accessions (bananas and other host species) was 450 nt. It was considered highly conserved (85.55%), low G+C content (41%), and high genetic similarities (92.47 to 100%). Phylogenetic analysis delineates isolates into two large groups, i.e. the Asian group (East Asia and South-east Asia) and the South Pacific group (South Asia, Africa and the Pacific). The findings of this study are usefull for broader applicability of further banana breeding program particularly for mitigation, selection and evaluation of banana with BBTV resistance.

Identification of Morphological Characters and Time of Mitotic Musa Paradisiaca cv. Haji

Musa paradisiaca cv Haji is a local banana of Lombok that has a longer shelf life. The determination of the haji banana genome still uses a scoring method based on morphological character. Clarification of ploidy levels and genome types can be done using chromosome analysis. The initial information needed to perform the karyotype analysis is identifying the cleavage time of M. paradisiaca cv Haji. Banana Haji on the island of Lombok has a different local name, so morphological identification of the haji banana accession is required. Morphological observations were conducted on three accessions of Haji bananas from different cultivation sites. Identification of the time of mitosis cleavage is made by the Squash method. The results showed a uniform synapomorphic character in the haji banana accession. The characters include the aspects of pseudostem (normal), shiny pseudostem, imbricate young bractea (young bractea slightly stacked), red inner bractea, straight ovary, and no pigmentation on the stylus. The autapomorphic character of Haji banana accession in this study included inside the pseudostem of the red-green, the position of horizontal fruit bunches, a fair amount of wax on the surface of the lower leaf, and the petiole of the lower leaf in pink. There are morphological character differences in Haji cultivar accession on pseudostem color and tepal color pigmentation. The time of mitosis division in Haji bananas, especially the prophase stage - metaphase from 06.38 - 07.38 Wita. The results obtained in this study can be used as a foundation to conduct karyotype analysis of Musa paradisisaca cv Haji.ÂÂ

Multiple shoot induction in zygotic embryos: a strategy for acceleration of banana breeding

The presence of residual female fertility in most of the parthenocarpic banana accessions encourages the banana breeder to develop new hybrids through conventional breeding. Desirable trait can be fixed in the first generation of hybrid progenies, but the evaluation of these hybrids in field is the time-consuming process owing to non-availability of uniform suckers/planting material. This can be overcome by developing multiple shoots from single embryo in a short period of time through embryo culture. A protocol for in vitro multiplication of plantlets from zygotic embryos was standardized in seeded accessions. Multiple shoots from zygotic embryos were achieved up to 55.2% and 64.1% in seeded accessions of Musa acuminata and M. velutina respectively in medium supplemented with 17.76 µM of BAP. The Single shoot derived (only germination) from zygotic embryos was decapitated and the apical meristem were disturbed for further multiple shoot formation in media supplemented with 17.76 µM of BAP. Present studies revealed that in total 75% and 91% of the M. acuminata and M.velutina embryos were able to produce multiple shoot from single embryo by manipulating the media composition and decortications technique. The above protocol was applied for zygotic embryos obtained from controlled pollination (18 cross combinations) and open pollination (nine accessions) of various genomic groups (ABB, AAB, AA). The multiple shoots derived from zygotic embryos and plantlet germinated from zygotic embryos was examined for genetic fidelity analysis by SSR markers.

Sources of resistance to Pseudocercospora fijiensis, the cause of black Sigatoka in banana.

Black Sigatoka, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis, is one of the most devastating diseases of banana. In commercial banana‐growing systems, black Sigatoka is primarily managed by fungicides. This mode of disease management is not feasible for resource‐limited smallholder farmers. Therefore, bananas resistant to P. fijiensis provide a practical solution for managing the disease, especially under smallholder farming systems. Most banana and plantain hybrids with resistance to P. fijiensis were developed using few sources of resistance, which include Calcutta 4 and Pisang Lilin. To broaden the pool of resistance sources to P. fijiensis, 95 banana accessions were evaluated under field conditions in Sendusu, Uganda. Eleven accessions were resistant to P. fijiensis. Black Sigatoka symptoms did not progress past Stage 2 (narrow brown streaks) in the diploid accessions Pahang (AA), Pisang KRA (AA), Malaccensis 0074 (AA), Long Tavoy (AA), M.A. Truncata (AA), Tani (BB), and Balbisiana (BB), a response similar to the resistant control Calcutta 4. These accessions are potential sources of P. fijiensis resistance and banana breeding programmes can use them to broaden the genetic base for resistance to P. fijiensis.

Infectivity of an Infectious Clone of Banana Streak CA Virus in A-Genome Bananas (Musa acuminata ssp.).

We have characterized the complete genome sequence of an Australian isolate of banana streak CA virus (BSCAV). A greater-than-full-length, cloned copy of the virus genome was assembled and agroinoculated into five tissue-cultured plants of nine different Musa acuminata banana accessions. BSCAV was highly infectious in all nine accessions. All five inoculated plants from eight accessions developed symptoms by 28 weeks post-inoculation, while all five plants of M. acuminata AA subsp. zebrina remained symptomless. Symptoms were mild in six accessions but were severe in Khae Phrae (M. acuminata subsp. siamea) and the East African Highland banana accession Igisahira Gisanzwe. This is the first full-length BSCAV genome sequence reported from Australia and the first report of the infectivity of an infectious clone of banana streak virus.

Genome-Wide Novel Genic Microsatellite Marker Resource Development and Validation for Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Banana.

Trait tagging through molecular markers is an important molecular breeding tool for crop improvement. SSR markers encoded by functionally relevant parts of a genome are well suited for this task because they may be directly related to traits. However, a limited number of these markers are known for Musa spp. Here, we report 35136 novel functionally relevant SSR markers (FRSMs). Among these, 17,561, 15,373 and 16,286 FRSMs were mapped in-silico to the genomes of Musa acuminata, M. balbisiana and M. schizocarpa, respectively. A set of 273 markers was validated using eight accessions of Musa spp., from which 259 markers (95%) produced a PCR product of the expected size and 203 (74%) were polymorphic. In-silico comparative mapping of FRSMs onto Musa and related species indicated sequence-based orthology and synteny relationships among the chromosomes of Musa and other plant species. Fifteen FRSMs were used to estimate the phylogenetic relationships among 50 banana accessions, and the results revealed that all banana accessions group into two major clusters according to their genomic background. Here, we report the first large-scale development and characterization of functionally relevant Musa SSR markers. We demonstrate their utility for germplasm characterization, genetic diversity studies, and comparative mapping in Musa spp. and other monocot species. The sequences for these novel markers are freely available via a searchable web interface called Musa Marker Database.