Musa Acuminata Research Articles

Unlocking the Potential of Shoot Tip Culture for Rapid Multiplication of Musa acuminata (AAA) cv. Amrit Sagar

Unlocking the Potential of Shoot Tip Culture for Rapid Multiplication of Musa acuminata (AAA) cv. Amrit Sagar

Biocontrol Potential of a Native Trichoderma Collection Against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Subtropical Race 4

The Canary Islands lead banana (Musa acuminata) production in the EU. Different fungal pathogens affect this crop in subtropical areas, with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense subtropical race 4 (Foc-STR4) being the most important in the Canary Islands. With the aim of developing environmentally sustainable techniques for disease control, this study presents the results of the evaluation of the antifungal capacity of a native Trichoderma collection (12 species, 109 isolates) obtained from banana soils. The results demonstrate the diversity of biocontrol genes and the in vitro antagonistic potential of different native Trichoderma species/isolates against two Foc-STR4 strains obtained from plants with Panama disease symptoms. Trichoderma virens (TF18), a dominant species in banana soils in the Canary Islands, showed a high capacity to inhibit the growth of Foc-STR4 in different in vitro assays. Trichoderma atrobrunneum (TF01) showed mycoparasitism capacity through the spiral coil around the hyphae of the pathogen. In addition, the genome analysis of T. atrobrunneum (TF03) showed 69 putative biosynthetic gene clusters, with the notable presence of the trichothecene tri5 gene. Finally, our work demonstrates that the soils of the Canary Islands banana crops are a potential source of environmentally adapted biological control agents to control or reduce the incidence of Foc-STR4.

The Effect of Some Biological Fungicides and Liquid Organic Fertilizers on Sigatoka Disease on ‘Mas’ Banana Plants (Musa acuminata Colla)

Banana (Musa acuminata Colla) is a tropical fruit with great economic potential and export prospects. According to the Directorate General of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, banana production from 2009 to 2014 fluctuated due to attacks by Plant Destruction Organisms (PDO), particularly Sigatoka disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella musciola. This study investigated biological agents like Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp., along with liquid organic fertilizers, to control the disease without synthetic fungicides.The research, conducted at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, used a split-plot design with two factors: biological pesticides (Tricogreen, Natural Glio, Trico-G) and liquid organic fertilizers (rabbit urine POC, shrimp shell MOL, banana hump MOL). The experiment had nine treatment combinations with three plant samples each. Results showed that biological pesticides significantly reduced Sigatoka disease intensity, with the J3P3 treatment (Trico-G and Banana Hump MOL) achieving the lowest infection rate of 29.55%, reducing disease intensity by 70.45%. Liquid organic fertilizers also improved plant growth, increasing leaf number and leaf area. This indicates that biological agents and organic fertilizers effectively manage Sigatoka disease and promote healthy banana plant growth.

Production and characterization of bacterial cellulose synthesized by Enterobacter chuandaensis strain AEC using Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer synthesized extracellularly by certain bacteria through the polymerization of glucose monomers. This study aimed to produce BC using Enterobacter chuandaensis with fruit extracts from Phoenix dactylifera (D) and Musa acuminata (M) as carbon sources. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed characteristic cellulose vibrations, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified distinct peaks at 15.34°, 19.98°, 22.58°, and 34.6°, confirming the cellulose structure. Whole-genome sequencing of E. chuandaensis identified key genes involved in BC production. The BC produced then exhibited a molecular weight of 1,857,804g/mol, with yields of 2.8g/L and 2.5g/L for treatments D and M, respectively. The crystallinity index of the purified BC was 74.1, and 13C NMR analysis confirmed the dominant cellulose Iα crystalline form. The BC showed high biocompatibility in cytotoxicity assays, with cell viability between 92% and 100%, indicating its potential for use in biomedical applications. This investigation represents the first report of BC production by E. chuandaensis, which promises a new avenue for sustainable and efficient BC synthesis using fruit extracts as carbon sources.

Evaluation of mechanically extracted banana fibers from pseudostem layers: A sustainable textile raw material

The separation of banana fibers from the pseudostem layers and the properties of two Thai banana cultivars, Musa acuminata (Kluai Hom) and Musa sapientum L. (Kluai Namwa) were investigated. The pseudostems were divided into three layers: outer (layer 1), middle (layer 2), and inner (layer 3). Fibers were extracted using a semi-automatic machine and subjected to chemical treatments. Results showed that layer 3 of Musa sapientum L. pseudostems yielded the highest amount of fibers with the lightest color. Fibers from layer 1 of Musa sapientum L. exhibited the highest tensile strength (606.90 g/denier) and elongation at break (9.54 %), higher than in all layers of Musa acuminata. SEM analysis revealed that chemically treated Musa acuminata fibers were less separated and broken than Musa sapientum L. fibers because the chemicals disrupted the lignocellulose bonds. Cross-sectional images showed larger lumens and more pronounced fiber group separation in Musa sapientum L. The outer layer of Musa sapientum L. pseudostem provided fibers with superior strength and elongation, demonstrating high potential as a sustainable raw material for the textile industry.

Histological Analysis of Somatic Embryogenesis from Immature Zygotic Embryo of Wild Banana Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis

Somatic embryogenesis, a crucial plant regeneration method, has become indispensable for crop improvement, particularly for species reliant on somatic cell manipulation techniques. Optimization of this process necessitates an understanding of the developmental stages involved. This study investigates the histological aspects of somatic embryogenesis in Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis derived from immature zygotic embryos. Through detailed histological analysis, we aimed to elucidate the morphological changes and cellular organization occurring during the various stages of somatic embryogenesis, from induction, culture proliferation, and somatic embryo development to plantlet conversion. The initial stages of embryogenesis, characterized by nodules, were primarily composed of meristematic cells with high cell division activity. These cells contained tetrad-like structures that could develop into distinct two- and four-celled proembryoids or proembryogenic aggregates. Our histo-anatomical analysis revealed that embryogenic cultures proliferated through multiple pathways simultaneously: somatic embryo budding, proembryo formation, and pro-embryonic mass formation from both internal and peripheral cells. At the stage of somatic embryo development, embryos with a well-defined protoderm layer, containing cells with prominent nuclei and dense cytoplasm, potentially regenerate into plantlets. Furthermore, histological examination revealed the presence of procambium within mature somatic embryos, which subsequently developed into the vascular system of the complete plantlet

Production and analysis of synthesized bacterial cellulose by Enterococcus faecalis strain AEF using Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata fruit extracts.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly versatile biopolymer renowned for its exceptional mechanical strength, water retention, and biocompatibility. These properties make it a valuable material for various industrial and biomedical applications. In this study, Enterococcus faecalis synthesized extracellular BC, utilizing Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata fruit extracts as sustainable carbon sources. LC-MS analysis identified glucose as the primary carbohydrate in these extracts, providing a suitable substrate for BC production. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a network of BC nanofibers on Congo red agar plates. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic cellulose functional groups, further supporting BC synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated a high crystallinity index of 71%, consistent with the cellulose I structure, as evidenced by peaks at 16.22°, 21.46°, 22.52°, and 34.70°. Whole-genome sequencing of E. faecalis identified vital genes involved in BC biosynthesis, including bcsA, bcsB, diguanylate cyclase (DGC), and 6-phosphofructokinase (pfkA). Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed resistance to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone, while susceptibility to imipenem was observed. Quantitative assessment demonstrated that higher concentrations of fruit extracts (5.0-20mg/mL) significantly enhanced BC production. Cytotoxicity testing via the MTT assay confirmed excellent biocompatibility with NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells, showing high cell viability (97-105%). Unlike commonly studied Gram-negative bacteria like Acetobacter xylinum for BC production, this research focuses on Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and utilizes Phoenix dactylifera and Musa acuminata fruit extracts as carbon sources. This approach offers a sustainable and promising avenue for BC production.

The MaNAP1-MaMADS1 transcription factor module mediates ethylene-regulated peel softening and ripening in banana.

The banana (Musa spp.) peel undergoes rapid softening during ripening, leading to finger drop and a shortened shelf life. The regulatory mechanism behind this process remains to be elucidated. In this study, we confirmed the role of peel softening in banana finger drop and uncovered the underlying transcriptional regulatory network. Cell wall-related (CWR) genes were substantially upregulated in both the peel and finger drop zone during ethylene-induced ripening. Transcriptome analysis and genome-wide profiling of chromatin accessibility and transcription factor (TF) binding revealed that two key regulators of fruit ripening, Musa acuminata NAC-like, Activated by apetala3/Pistillata1 (MaNAP1) and MaMADS1, regulate CWR genes by directly binding to their promoters or by targeting other ripening-related TFs to form a hierarchical regulatory network. Notably, MaNAP1 and MaMADS1 were directly targeted by ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (MaEIN3), and MaNAP1 and MaMADS1 associated with tissue-specific histone modifications, enabling them to integrate MaEIN3-mediated ethylene signaling and undergo epigenetic regulation. Overexpression of MaNAP1, MaMADS1 or other identified regulatory TFs upregulated CWR genes and promoted peel softening. Our findings unveil a MaNAP1-MaMADS1-centered regulatory cascade governing banana peel softening and finger drop, offering potential targets for enhancing banana texture and shelf life.

Nutritive Valorisation of Banana Tree (Musa acuminata) By-Products with Different Levels of Sodium Hydroxide

Nutritive Valorisation of Banana Tree (Musa acuminata) By-Products with Different Levels of Sodium Hydroxide

Development of Ready to Drink Banana Pseudostem Beverage Incorporated with Pineapple and Grape Extract

Background: Banana pseudostem (Musa acuminata) comprises nearly 30% of plant biomass and carries a substantial quantity of fiber and moisture. Banana pseudostem beverage was developed from banana tender core, natural extracts (Pine apple and Grape) and 2% citric acid used as an antibrowning agent. The present study aimed to develop ready-to-drink banana pseudostem juice incorporated with pineapple and grape extract. The banana pseudostem juice (80%) was incorporated with pineapple (20%) and grape (20%) extracts. Methods: The proximate composition of the ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverage and the physicochemical properties of banana pseudostem extract were analyzed using standard procedures. Sensory evaluation and microbial quality were analyzed for ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages stored at 25°C and 4°C. The beverages were evaluated at 6 days interval period. Result: The ready-to-drink beverages were evaluated at a 6-day interval period. The result of the physicochemical properties of the ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple and grape extract during storage at ambient and refrigerated temperature. The banana pseudostem beverage pH value gradually increased and its acidity value decreased. The total soluble solids remained constant, viscosity at 25°C was decreased, at 4°C viscosity was increased during the storage period up to 12 days. During storage conditions, the total soluble solids remain constant, while the viscosity increased at 4! and reduced at 25°C. Minimal substantial changes were observed in the quality of ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages during storage conditions. The pineapple extract-flavored pseudostem beverages during storage conditions. The pineapple extract-flavored pseudostem beverage was very well-liked by consumers, according to the organoleptic evaluation. The quality of ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages was minimal significant changes were observed. Based on the organoleptic evaluation, the pineapple extract flavored pseudostem beverage was highly accepted by consumer preference. The banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple extracts was microbiologically safe for 12 days at 25°C and 4°C for human consumption. After 12 days at (25°C) and (4°C), the banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple extracts proved microbiologically safe.

Unveiling the molecular symphony: microRNA160a-Auxin Response Factor 18 module orchestrates low potassium tolerance in banana (Musa acuminata L.)

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of most plants. In banana (Musa acuminata L.), microRNA160a (miR160a) is suggested to potentially contribute to the response to low K+ stress by modulating the auxin signaling pathway. However, further investigation is required to elucidate its specific regulatory mechanism. This study presents evidence highlighting the critical role of the miR160a-Auxin Response Factor 18 (ARF18) module in conferring low K+ tolerance in banana. Both miR160a and its predicted target gene ARF18 displayed elevated expression levels in banana roots, with their expression profiles significantly altered under low K+ stress. The inhibitory effect of mac-miR160a on the expression of MaARF18-like-2 was confirmed through tobacco transient transformation and dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Surprisingly, Arabidopsis lines overexpressing mac-miR160a (mac-miR160a OE) exhibited enhanced tolerance to low K+ stress. Conversely, Arabidopsis lines overexpressing MaARF18-like-2 (MaARF18-like-2 OE) displayed increased sensitivity to K+ deficiency. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed that MaARF18-like-2 mediates the response of Arabidopsis to low K+ stress by influencing the expression of genes associated with Ca2+, ion transport, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. In conclusion, our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of the miR160a-ARF18-like-2 module in the plant response to low K+ stress.

Characterization and kinetics of a cathepsin B-inhibiting protein from Musa acuminata Colla peel

Hyperexpression of cathepsin B caused by an imbalance of endogenous inhibitors is involved in multiple pathologies, hence making it a key therapeutic target. Protease inhibitors are effective biomolecules that regulate protease activities and are considered potential therapeutic agents in various diseases. Plant protease inhibitors have been reported as an effective complementary alternative drug. A proteinaceous cathepsin B inhibitor (CBI-BP) has been isolated from Musa acuminata Colla (banana) peel with a molecular weight of 27.9 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The purity of the CBI-BP was confirmed on the native- PAGE. The isolated CBI-BP showed an IC50 value of 8.14 μg and a Ki value of 10.59 μg (0.19 μM). Cathepsin B inhibition kinetics indicated that CBI-BP follows a mixed-type of cathepsin B inhibition. Its inhibition activity was also confirmed by reverse zymography. The inhibitor was stable from pH 2.6 - 10.0 with maximum activity at pH 7.2, temperature 25-100°C and exhibited thermostability for 60 min at 70°C. MALDI/TOF/MS analysis of CBI-BP showed 40% similarity to the GH18 domain-containing protein (A0A4S8JRM9) from Musa balbisiana. Although in-silico docking studies showed binding of A0A4S8JRM9 to cathepsin B affects the binding energy of the substrate to cathepsin B but is not reported for any anti-cathepsin B activity. This suggests that isolated CBI-BP might be a novel protein with anti-cathepsin B activity. Thus the isolated CBI-BP may be further explored as possible anti-cathepsin B drug.

Physicochemical quality retention of ‘Sucrier’ bananas (Musa acuminata AA group cv. ‘Kluai Khai’) by jicama starch-based postharvest treatment

The objective of this research was to develop a new type of edible coating using jicama starch (JS) in order to control the postharvest deterioration of ‘Sucrier’ bananas (Musa acuminata AA group cv. ‘Kluai Khai’) during the ripening process in ambient condition (25 ± 1 °C, 85-90 % RH). The preliminary experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of JS concentration (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 % w/v) on the postharvest quality of bananas. The application of JS demonstrated a delay in banana ripening, including color development, weight loss, and fruit firmness. Within the JS-treated banana groups, 5.0 % treated bananas displayed higher firmness compared to the other groups. Therefore, a validation experiment was conducted to verify the subsequent physicochemical alterations in bananas after subjecting bananas to 5.0 % JS coating in comparison to non-treated bananas during storage at ambient condition. The JS treatment maintained the color and visual appearance by minimizing the formation of malondialdehyde content and electrical conductivity during storage. Furthermore, it resulted in a delay in the increases in total soluble solid, titratable acidity, BrimA, and total carotenoid concentrations in the pulp. Nevertheless, the ascorbic acid and phenolic contents and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of the control samples were likely to be higher than those of the treated bananas, whereas the ferric reducing antioxidant potential of both control and treated bananas showed a comparable trend throughout storage. The outcomes demonstrate that the utilization of JS is an effective approach for improving the overall storage capacity of ‘Sucrier’ bananas.

The effect of modified kepok banana (Musa acuminata) starch substitution on the texture and color of steamed brownies

The effect of modified kepok banana (Musa acuminata) starch substitution on the texture and color of steamed brownies

FEAtl: a comprehensive web-based expression atlas for functional genomics in tropical and subtropical fruit crops

BackgroundFruit crops, including tropical and subtropical fruits like Avocado (Persea americana), Fig (Ficus carica), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Mango (Mangifera indica), Guava (Psidium guajava), Papaya (Carica papaya), Pineapple (Ananas comosus), and Banana (Musa acuminata) are economically vital, contributing significantly to global agricultural output, as classified by the FAO’s World Programme for the Census of Agriculture. Advancements in next-generation sequencing, have transformed fruit crop breeding by providing in-depth genomic and transcriptomic data. RNA sequencing enables high-throughput analysis of gene expression, and functional genomics, crucial for addressing horticultural challenges and enhancing fruit production. The genomic and expression data for key tropical and sub-tropical fruit crops is currently lacking a comprehensive expression atlas, revealing a significant gap in resources for horticulturists who require a unified platform with diverse datasets across various conditions and cultivars.ResultsThe Fruit Expression Atlas (FEAtl), available at http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/FEAtl/, is a first-ever extensive and unified expression atlas for tropical and subtropical fruit crops developed using 3-tier architecture. The expressivity of coding and non-coding genes, encompassing 2,060 RNA-Seq samples across 91 tissue types and 177 BioProjects, it provides a comprehensive view of gene expression patterns for different tissues under various conditions. FEAtl features multiple tabs that cater to different aspects of the dataset, namely, Home, About, Analyze, Statistics, and Team and contains seven central functional modules: Transcript Information,Sample Information, Expression Profiles in FPKM and TPM, Functional Analysis, Genes Based on Tau Score, and Search for Specific Gene. The expression of a transcript of interest can be easily queried by searching by tissue ID and transcript type. Expression data can be displayed as a heat map, along with functional descriptions as well as Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.ConclusionsThis atlas represents a groundbreaking compilation of a wide array of information pertaining to eight distinct fruit crops and serves as a fundamental resource for comparative analysis among different fruit species and is a catalyst for functional genomic studies. Database availability: http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/FEAtl/.

Effect Cookies Made from (Musa acuminata Cavendish and Cucumis sativus) and Self Talk against Reducing Urine Protein Levels and Blood Pressure in Women of Childbearing Age Pre Hypertension

Effect Cookies Made from (Musa acuminata Cavendish and Cucumis sativus) and Self Talk against Reducing Urine Protein Levels and Blood Pressure in Women of Childbearing Age Pre Hypertension

Box-Behnken Design for Nephrolithiasis: Developing Folic AcidChitosan Nanoparticles from Musa acuminata Stem Water.

Nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones, is a widespread condition causing significant discomfort and health issues. This analysis delves into the development of folic acid-chitosan nanoparticles (FA-CNPs) using Musa acuminata stem water to address nephrolithiasis. A Box-Behnken design was used to refine synthesis variables—chitosan concentration, folic acid loading, and reaction time. The study systematically analyzed their effects on nanoparticle size, encapsulation efficiency, and release profile. The optimized FA-CNPs demonstrated potential for improved targeted treatment of kidney stones, highlighting advancements in nanomedicine for effective nephrolithiasis management.

Impact of Golden Banana Puree (Musa acuminata) Enrichment on the pH, Lactic Acid Bacteria Count, and Viscosity of Kefir

The addition of golden banana puree (Musa acuminata) as a prebiotic has been hypothesized to enhance the growth of lactic acid bacteria in kefir. This study aimed to determine the effects of adding golden banana puree on the pH value, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count, and viscosity of kefir. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and three replications. The treatments included the addition of 0% (P0), 6% (P1), 8% (P2), and 10% (P3) banana puree. The observed variables were pH value, total LAB, and viscosity. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) when a significant treatment effect was detected. The results indicated that the addition of golden banana puree had a very significant effect (P0.01) on the pH value, total LAB count, and viscosity of kefir. The study concluded that increasing the concentration of golden banana puree leads to a higher total LAB count and viscosity, while inversely lowering the pH value.

Endogenous viral elements are targeted by RNA silencing pathways in banana.

Endogenous banana streak virus (eBSV) integrants derived from three distinct species, present in Musa balbisiana (B) but not Musa acuminata (A) banana genomes are able to reconstitute functional episomal viruses causing banana streak disease in interspecific triploid AAB banana hybrids but not in the diploid (BB) parent line, which harbours identical eBSV loci. Here, we investigated the regulation of these eBSV. In-depth characterization of siRNAs, transcripts and methylation derived from eBSV using Illumina and bisulfite sequencing were carried out on eBSV-free Musa acuminata AAA plants and BB or AAB banana plants with eBSV. eBSV loci produce low-abundance transcripts covering most of the viral sequence and generate predominantly 24-nt siRNAs. siRNA accumulation is restricted to duplicated and inverted viral sequences present in eBSV. Both siRNA-accumulating and nonaccumulating sequences of eBSV in BB plants are heavily methylated in all three CG, CHG and CHH contexts. Our data suggest that eBSVs are controlled at the epigenetic level in BB diploids. This regulation not only prevents their awakening and systemic infection of the plant but is also probably involved in the inherent resistance of the BB plants to mealybug-transmitted viral infection. These findings are thus of relevance to other plant resources hosting integrated viruses.

Active bio-nanocomposites from litchi seed starch, tamarind kernel xyloglucan, and lignin nanoparticles to improve the shelf-life of banana (Musa acuminata)

Valorization of agricultural byproducts to biodegradable packaging films aids in reducing plastic dependency and addressing plastic perils. Herein, starch (LSS) from litchi seeds and xyloglucan (XG) from tamarind kernels were recovered, and composite films were developed. The XG addition strengthened the weak polymer networks of LSS and improved rheological, molecular, morphological, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties. The incorporation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) into the LSS-XG network further increased the tensile strength (14.83 MPa), elastic modulus (0.41 GPa), and reduced surface wettability (80.07°), and water vapor permeability (5.63 ± 0.38 × 10−7 g m−1s−1Pa−1). The phenolic hydroxyls of LNPs imparted strong UV-shielding and free radical scavenging abilities to films. These attributes aided in preserving the quality of coated banana fruits with minimal weight loss and color change. Overall, this research highlights the potential transformation of underutilized abundant byproducts into sustainable active bio-nanocomposites for food packaging and shelf-life extension of fruits.