Musa Acuminata Research Articles

Bat pollinators: a decade of monitoring reveals declining visitation rates for some species in Thailand

Bats are important pollinators, but they are difficult to study since they are volant and nocturnal. Thus, long-term studies of nectarivorous bats are scarce, despite their potential to help assess trends in bat populations and their pollination services. We used capture rates of nectarivorous bats at chiropterophilous flowers in order to examine temporal trends in bat visitation in an area that is undergoing extensive land use change. We mist-netted at five bat-pollinated plant taxa (Durio zibethinus, Musa acuminata, Oroxylum indicum, Parkia speciosa, and Sonneratia spp.) in southern Thailand over six years between 2011 and 2021. We found that the most common bat species, Eonycteris spelaea, was the main visitor at all five plant taxa and had consistent visitation rates across all study years. In contrast, two other important pollinators, Macroglossus minimus and M. sobrinus, showed 80% declines in the number of individuals netted at mangrove apple (Sonneratia spp.) and banana (Musa acuminata) flowers, respectively. These findings suggest that E. spelaea (a large, cave-roosting species with a broad diet) is more tolerant of anthropogenic change than are Macroglossus bats (small, foliage-roosting species with specialized diets), which may in turn affect the reproductive success of plants pollinated by these species. Our study demonstrates how decade-long monitoring can reveal species-specific temporal patterns in pollinator visitation, emphasizing the need for tailored conservation plans. While the conservation status of most nectarivorous bats in the area is Least Concern, our results indicate that population studies in Southeast Asia are urgently needed for updated bat species conservation assessments.

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF Ca(OH)2 COMBINED WITH MUSA ACUMINATA AS A PULP CAPPING MATERIAL

Background: The weakness of Ca(OH)2 is its low compressive strength and mechanical properties which can affect the stability of the material to the liquid in the tooth root canal so that it can dissolve the root canal medicament material. Due to the various weaknesses of Ca(OH)2, the researchers are interested in combining Ca(OH)2 with natural ingredients extracted from Musa acuminata (Mauli Banana) stem. Musa acuminata stem extract (MaSE) contains bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and lycopene which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-viral properties. One of the requirements for pulp capping material is to have sufficient compressive strength, therefore, it is necessary to conduct research to test the value of the compressive strength of the combination of Ca(OH)2 with Musa acuminata stem extract. Purpose: To analyze the compressive strength of the pulp capping material from the combination of calcium hydroxide and Musa acuminata stem extract, with a ratio of 1:1; 1:1.5 ; and 1.5:1. Method: This research is a pure experimental study with a posttest-only design with a control group design, consisting of 4 treatment groups, including: group 1 the combination of Ca(OH)2 with Musa acuminata stem extract at 1:1, group 2 1:1.5, group 3 1.5:1, and group 4 as a positive control. Results: One Way Anova test (p<0.05) which means there is a significant difference. Data analysis was continued with the LSD Post Hoc test (p<0.05) which showed that there were significant differences between groups, between each treatment group. Conclusion: The combination of Ca(OH)2 with 50% MaSE and PG ratio of 1.5 : 1 : 0.375, has the highest compressive strength (1.40 MPa), so it can be concluded that the more Musa acuminata stem extract in the combination, the lower the compressive strength. Keywords : Calcium hydroxide, Compressive strength, Musa acuminata stem extract

Investigation of Properties and Product Development from the Industrial Fiber Crops (Musa acuminata) Biowaste

One of the most common concerns worlds over is negating the harmful effects of human-generated waste through the RRR principle–reduce, reuse and recycle. One of the methods of achieving this is by the use of biodegradable materials for producing products for our daily use. One such product that contributes to huge waste generation is sanitary napkins and synthetic fabrics. This research deals with fibers derived from natural sources can be used for manufacturing sanitary napkins, yarn, fabrics. The Musa acuminata wild species H2O treated and alkali treated (4% NaOH) banana fibers were taken to develop a biodegradable sanitary napkin and fabrics, which is one of the big industrial crops biomass. These fibres were machine extracted only from the pseudo-banana stem. The biomass level was measured and physical (166.2–220.4 µ m), chemical (Cellulose 57–66%), and structural analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDAX) of alkali (NaOH) and water-treated (H2O) fibers were identified. The antibacterial, antifungal property, moisture regain (12%) and fibre absorbency (43–64%) were discussed as per the standard of CTL/SOP/MICRO/004. The napkin test report has been taken as per IS 5405-1980 & 1390-1961 standards that was to be compared with the standard values. The napkin test parameters such as absorbency level, disposable, pH value, cost analysis, biodegradability level, and consumer perception were found. Finally, the basic yarn (20 s & 5 s) and fabric (C/B blend & weft banana) tests were carried out.

Water exchange between the Chlorenchyma and the Hydrenchyma and its physiological role in leaves with Crassulacean acid metabolism.

Direct and non-destructive measurements of plant-water relations of plants exhibiting the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthetic pathway are seldom addressed, with most findings inferred from gas exchange measurements. The main focus of this paper was to study how the water exchange between the chlorenchyma and the hydrenchyma depends on and follows the CAM photosynthetic diel pattern using non-invasive and continuous methods. Gas exchange and leaf patch clamp pressure probe (LPCP) measurements were performed on Aloe vera (L.) Burm f., a CAM species, and compared to measurements on banana (Musa acuminata Colla), a C3 species. The LPCP output pressure, Pp , of Aloe vera plants follows its diel CAM photosynthetic cycle, reversed to that observed in banana and other C3 species. The four phases of CAM photosynthesis can also be identified in the diel LPCP output pressure, Pp , cycle. The Pp values in Aloe vera are determined by the hydrenchyma turgor pressure, with both parameters being reversely related. A non-invasive and continuous assessment of the water exchange between the chlorenchyma and the hydrenchyma in CAM plants, namely, by following the changes in the hydrenchyma turgor pressure, is presented. However, showing once more how the LPCP output pressure, Pp , depends on the leaf structure, such an approach can be used to study plant-water relations in other CAM species with a leaf structure similar to Aloe vera, with the hydrenchyma composing most of the leaf volume.

IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGAL SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPOILAGE OF FRUIT IN DUTSIN-MA METROPOLIS, KATSINA STATE

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the fungi species associated with spoilage of orange (Citrus sinensis); Banana (Musa acuminate); and Mango (Mangifera indica) fruit. A total of 30 fruit samples were collected from market in Dutsin-ma metropolis, the study was carried out between June to August, 2023. The samples were surfaced sterilized with ethanol and the homogenates were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar and incubated aerobically at room temperature for 5days at 30°C. The pure cultures obtained were identified morphologically and microscopically using a standard mircrobial Atlas for verification. The fungal species identified from the isolates are Aspergillusspp, Candidaspp, Alternariaspp, Fusariumspp, Mucorspp, Rhizopusspp, Collectoricumspp, and Peniciliumspp. Aspergillusspp was the most predominant fungal specie isolated from orange (citrus sinensis) having a frequency of 60% followed by Candidasppand Alternaira with 20% prevalence. Fusariumspp was the most predominant fungal specie isolated from banana (Musaacuminata), having a frequency of (44%), followed by Mucorspp (33%) and Rhizopusspp (22%). Aspergillusspp was the most predominant fungal specie isolated from mango (Mangifera indica) having a frequency of (70%) followed by Collectoricumspp(20%) and Peniciliumspp(10%). Aspergillusniger was the most predominant isolates from all the fruits under study. These findings are indicative that fungal species are associated with the spoilage of orange, (Citrus sinensis), banana (Musa acuminata), and mango (Mangifera indica) fruit leading to economic loss and possible human health hazard as a result of consumption of spoilt fruits.

Genome-wide identification of XTH gene family in Musa acuminata and response analyses of MaXTHs and xyloglucan to low temperature.

Banana (Musa spp.) production is seriously threatened by low temperature (LT) in tropical and subtropical regions. Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are considered chief enzymes in cell wall remodelling and play a central role in stress responses. However, whether MaXTHs are involved in the low temperature stress tolerance in banana is not clear. Here, the identification and characterization of MaXTHs were carried out, followed by prediction of their cis-acting elements and protein-protein interactions. In addition, candidate MaXTHs involved in banana tolerance to LT were screened through a comparison of their responses to LT between tolerant and sensitive cultivars using RNA-Seq analysis. Moreover, immunofluorescence (IF) labelling was employed to compare changes in the temporal and spatial distribution of different types of xyloglucan components between these two cultivars upon stress. In total, 53 MaXTHs have been identified, and all were predicted to be located in the cell wall, 14 of them also in the cytoplasm. Only 11 MaXTHs have been found to interact with other proteins. Among 16 MaXTHs with LT responsiveness elements, MaXTH26/29/32/35/50 (Group I/II members) and MaXTH7/8 (Group IIIB members) might be involved in banana tolerance to LT stress. IF results suggested that the content of xyloglucan components recognized by CCRC-M87/103/104/106 antibodies might be negatively related to banana chilling tolerance. In conclusion, we have identified the MaXTH gene family and assessed cell wall re-modelling under LT stress. These results will be beneficial for banana breeding against stresses and enrich the cell wall-mediated resistance mechanism in plants to stresses.

Indole acetic acid (IAA) production by endophytic bacterial isolate Agrobacterium tumefaciens BE-1 from roots of Musa acuminata

We have screened 23 endophytic isolates to estimate the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) from the root of the banana (Musa spp) by using Salkowski’s reagent spectrophotometric method with and without L- tryptophan supplement. Amongst 23 isolates only eight isolates, showed the ability to produce IAA. It is observed that one isolates out of eight produced maximum amount of IAA supplemented with and without L-tryptophan in medium. Based on morphological, cultural, biochemical and 16s rRNA gene sequencing method, this promising endophytic bacterial isolate (BE 1) was identified as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. IAA production of BE-1 was further confirmed by Thin-layer chromatography as well as by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with and without L-tryptophan in medium. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test to test whether the production of IAA significantly increased by using L-tryptophan in medium.

Induction, growth, and characteristics of embryonic cell suspension culture of wild bananas (Musa acuminata ssp.)

Induction, growth, and characteristics of embryonic cell suspension culture of wild bananas (Musa acuminata ssp.)

Thermal Performance and Technoeconomic Analysis of Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Dryer Integrated with Energy Storage Materials for Drying Cavendish Banana (Musa acuminata)

This study examines a novel solar-assisted heat pump dryer integrated with a thermal energy storage system using soapstone as storage material. The dryer is investigated through experimental analysis across three operating modes: mode 1 with thermal energy storage during daytime, mode 2 without thermal energy storage during nighttime, and mode 3 without thermal energy storage during daytime. Experiments were carried out to investigate the drying of 500 g of Cavendish banana. Thermal performance, as well as economic, and nutritional content were examined. Three replicates of the experiment yielded consistent results, showing a significant reduction in the moisture content of the initial sample from 74.4% to 9.6% after undergoing distinct drying durations. Mode 1 achieved this reduction in 270 minutes, mode 2 in 390 minutes, and mode 3 in 360 minutes. The average specific moisture extraction rates for modes 1, 2, and 3 were 0.13, 0.11, and 0.12 kg/kWh, respectively. Simultaneously, the drying rate ranged from 0.16 to 0.24% per minute. The drying efficiency varied among the tested modes, with mode 1 achieving the highest efficiency at 23.23%. In terms of coefficient of performance, mode 1, mode 2, and mode 3 exhibited values of 3.69, 2.57, and 2.54, respectively. The economic analysis conducted specifically for mode 1 revealed a payback period of 1.5 years, indicating the time required to recover the initial investment. Additionally, the results indicated that the dried Cavendish banana had significantly higher concentrations of proximate parameters and minerals compared to the fresh Cavendish banana, as evidenced by a p value less than 0.05.

Utilizing Eco-Zno from green synthesis of Musa Acuminata peels and graphene oxide for removal of Cephalexin (CFX) antibiotic in water

Cephalexin (CFX) antibiotic concentration has been used as a marker for identifying emerging pollutants (EPs) in the non-medical setting due to its significant ability to cause antimicrobial resistance with the highest risk quotient. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of Eco-Zinc Oxide-Graphene Oxide (Eco-ZnO/GO) nanocomposite (NC) from green synthesis of Musa Acuminata by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The focus of the study is to optimize the efficiency of Eco-ZnO/GO NC from green synthesis of M. Acuminata for removal of CFX by using adsorption. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) will be used as well to analyzed the adsorbent dosage, irradiation time, and pH value to obtain the optimum condition of the efficiency of Eco-ZnO/GO for the removal of CFX. The average particle sizes for Eco-ZnO and GO were determined to be 10 nm and 300 nm, respectively, by using FESEM. It is deduced that the optimization factors of adsorbent dosage to 100 mg/L, irradiation time to 120 min, and intial concentration of CFX to 100 mg/L could achieve the mean removal of CFX by 22.17 %. The study contributed to the new knowledge of using nanocomposite materials to remove CFX in the water. However, more thorough studies are needed to obtain higher removal capacity.

Improvement of sensory characteristics of Barangan banana (Musa acuminata Linn.) slices as a stirred yogurt topping

This study aimed to improve the sensory characteristics of bananas (Musa acuminata Linn.) slices as a stirred yogurt topping. Ascorbic acid was used in three different concentrations (C; 1%, 2%, and 3%) at three different soaking times (T; 4 mins, 5 mins, and 6 mins). Samples without soaking in ascorbic acid were used as a control. The sliced bananas were analyzed for color (brightness, L*; redness, a*; and yellowness, b*) and hedonic test (taste, aroma, and color) of 30 semi-trained panelists. The most preferred sample was then analyzed by descriptive test (taste, aroma, and color). The results showed that panelists mostly liked the slices banana soaked in 2% of ascorbic acid for 4 minutes. It had a strong sour taste, yogurt aroma, and brownish yellow color. The color values of the preferred sample of L*, a*, and b* were 98.1, -13.9, and +47.3 respectively. On the other hand, the control sample had sour taste, banana aroma, and blackish yellow color. The color values of the control sample of L*, a*, and b* were 94.2, -10.03, and 37.9 respectively. These results indicate that ascorbic acid could increase the appearance of Barangan banana as a stirred yogurt topping.

Morphological Characterization and Fusarium Wilt Resistance of Triploid Banana Mutant Line (Musa acuminata Cola)

Br 23 banana mutant line derived from irradiated gamma-ray from pisang ambon cultivar was triploid (AAA) and sterile. Therefore, application of conventional breeding to improve the agronomic characteristics of bananas requires strenuous effort. Morphological and agronomical characterizations of mutant line were observed during the generative stage on the Fusarium hotspot. Sixteen qualitative characters were observed, and each of which related to color was standardized using RHS color chart. Based on these qualitative characteristics, it was confirmed that pisang Ambon belongs to the acuminata group. Several agronomical characteristics of Br 23 banana mutant line, such as the number of hands/bunch, the weight of fruits/hand, and single fruit weight, were observed. The experimental results on banana production showed that the first harvest could reach 26 t/ha. Unlike from the control plant, the Br 23 mutant line showed tolerant characteristics to Fusarium TR4. The evaluation of susceptibility to Fusarium wilt was analyzed using the Vegetative Compatibility Group (VCG) method with isolate no. 01236/16. These susceptible plants were planted nearby the Br 23 banana mutant line. In early 2019, this Br 23 banana mutant line was registered as a new mutant variety under the name of PIRAMA I.

The Combined Effect of Lemon Peel Extract and Calcium Chloride on the Physical and Biochemical Quality Parameters of the Dessert Banana (Musa acuminata var. Dwarf Cavendish) Fruit

The dessert banana is a popular fruit worldwide, but its ripening process is greatly accelerated by high temperatures, which eventually leads to an unpleasant taste and the appearance of spots on the skin of the fruits. To slow down the ripening of bananas, expensive strategies are used, which are usually not practical for conventional farmers in less developed countries. In this study, we try to find a less costly alternative. Therefore, the effects of coatings of lemon peel extract (2.5%, 5%, and 10%), calcium chloride (4%), and glycerol (2%) on the shelf life and postharvest quality of the banana fruit (Cavendish) stored at 19–22 °C and 40–60% relative humidity were investigated. Treatment with a mixture of 2.5% lemon peel extract and 2% glycerol resulted in an extension of the shelf life of the dessert banana by up to 6 days and no detectable fungal infestation. The coating solution is an effective alternative to extend the shelf life and reduce quality losses in bananas.

Identification of banana ADA1 gene family members and their expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses

The Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) is an ancillary transcription initiation complex which is highly conserved. The ADA1 (alteration/deficiency in activation 1, also called histone H2A functional interactor 1, HFI1) is a subunit in the core module of the SAGA protein complex. ADA1 plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as stress resistance. In this paper, we performed genome-wide identification of banana ADA1 gene family members based on banana genomic data, and analyzed the basic physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, selection pressure, promoter cis-acting elements, and its expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses. The results showed that there were 10, 6, and 7 family members in Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa itinerans. The members were all unstable and hydrophilic proteins, and only contained the conservative SAGA-Tad1 domain. Both MaADA1 and MbADA1 have interactive relationship with Sgf11 (SAGA-associated factor 11) of core module in SAGA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that banana ADA1 gene family members could be divided into 3 classes. The evolution of ADA1 gene family members was mostly influenced by purifying selection. There were large differences among the gene structure of banana ADA1 gene family members. ADA1 gene family members contained plenty of hormonal elements. MaADA1-1 may play a prominent role in the resistance of banana to cold stress, while MaADA1 may respond to the Panama disease of banana. In conclusion, this study suggested ADA1 gene family members are highly conserved in banana, and may respond to biotic and abiotic stress.

First report of root rot in Trichosanthes kirilowii (Chinese cucumber) caused by Fusarium sulawesiense in China.

Trichosanthes kirilowii (Chinese cucumber) is one of the important perennial herbaceous vines in China, with putative pharmacological activities including anti-tumor and lowering blood lipids. In July 2022, T. kirilowii plants with brownish roots and chlorotic leaves were observed in several orchards in Qianshan, Anhui province, China (30°34'N, 116° 30'E). The disease incidence reached approximately 10% within an area spanning 20 ha, and was higher in poorly drained orchards. To investigate this root rot disease, five symptomatic plants were collected from the diseased orchards in Qianshan. Subsequently, small sections of the diseased roots were surface sterilized using 1% sodium hypochlorite and 75% ethanol for 45 seconds each. Then, sterilized roots were placed onto PDA (20% diced potato, 2% glucose, and 1.5% agar, and distilled water) and incubated at 28℃ in the dark for 6 days. A total of eight isolates with similar morphology were obtained and purified by single spore culturing. Two representative isolates (QSJ4 and QSJ5) were chosen for further analysis. When grown on PDA, the surface of each colony was white with dense aerial mycelium and pale orange color in the center with a white edge on the reverse side. Macroconidia produced on carnation leaf agar plates were falcate, slightly curved, and 3 to 5 septate, with papillate apical cells and indistinct basal cells. Macroconidia were 17.4-42.3 × 2.4-5.8 μm (n = 100). Microconidia were ellipsoidal in shape, slightly curved or not curved, and most were 1-septate, 9.6-16.7 × 1.5-3.8 μm (n = 40). The identity was determined by sequencing four loci (i. e., ITS, CAL, EF1-α and RPB2) from two representative isolates (Liu et al. 1999; O'Donnell et al. 1998, 2000; Reeb et al. 2004; White et al. 1990). Sequences were deposited in GenBank [ITS (OR267397, OR267398), CAL (OR296634, OR296635), EF1-α (OR296637, OR296638) and RPB2 (OR296640, OR296641)]. A phylogenetic analysis was performed with three loci (CAL, EF1-α, RPB2) comprising a concatenated dataset of 68 strains in the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (Han et al., 2023). The results showed that isolates QSJ4 and QSJ5 clustered closely together with reference strains of F. sulawesiense. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating three-week-old healthy T. kirilowii seedings (cv. Wanlou No. 9) cultivated in substrate soil in pots with a diameter of 17 cm and a height of 10.5 cm. A 20 mL aliquot of spore suspension (106 conidia/mL) of F. sulawesiense was inoculated to the roots of potted seedlings by irrigation. Each strain was inoculated onto three seedlings. The potted seedlings were inoculated with sterile water as the negative control. Inoculated seedlings were incubated in a growth chamber at 25℃ and 75% relative humidity. After one week, typical symptoms of root necrosis and leaf chlorosis were observed on the inoculated seedlings. Disease symptoms were not observed on the control seedlings. All seedlings showing root necrosis and leaf chlorosis caused by the inoculations were subjected to fungal isolation, and the results showed that the reisolated colonies matched the inoculated ones for morphologies and ITS sequences. Fusarium sulawesiense has been previously reported to cause disease on Cucumis melo L. in Brazil (Medeiros Araujo et al. 2021), Musa acuminata Colla in south Sulawesi (Maryani et al. 2019), Luffa aegyptiaca Miller and Musa nana Lour. in China (Wang et al. 2019). To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. sulawesiense causing Fusarium root rot of T. kirilowii in China.

Identification of the Loci Associated with Resistance to Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum) Using DArTSeq Markers and Continuous Mapping

Banana Xanthomonas wilt, caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum (Xvm), is a devastating disease that results in total yield loss of affected plants. Resistance to the disease is limited in Musa acuminata, but it has been identified so far in the zebrina subspecies. This study identified markers associated with tolerance to Xvm in Monyet, a tetraploid banana from the zebrina subspecies which was identified to be partially resistant to the bacterium. We used a triploid progeny of 135 F1 hybrids resulting from a cross between Monyet (Xvm partially resistant) and Kokopo (diploid and Xvm susceptible). The F1 hybrids were screened in pots for resistance to Xvm. The population was genotyped using the genotyping-by-sequencing platform of Diversity Array Technology (DArTSeq). The adjusted means of the phenotypic data were combined with the allele frequencies of the genotypic data in continuous mapping. We identified 25 SNPs associated with resistance to Xvm, and these were grouped into five quantitative traits loci (QTL) on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, and 7. For each marker, we identified the favorable allele and the additive effect of replacing the reference allele with the alternative allele. The comparison between weevil borer (Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar)) and Xvm QTL revealed one QTL shared between the two biotic stresses at the distal end of chromosome 6 but with a repulsion linkage. This linkage should be broken down by generating more recombinants in the region. We also identified 18 putative alleles in the vicinity of the SNPs associated with resistance to Xvm. Among the 18 putative genes, two particularly putative genes, namely, Ma06_g13550 and Ma06_g36840, are most likely linked to disease resistance. This study is a basis for marker-assisted selection to improve banana resistance to banana Xanthomonas wilt, especially in East and Central Africa where the disease is still devastating the crop.

Evaluation of the nematicidal efficacy of an aqueous extract of Eupatorium odoratum on Radopholus similis nematode infestation in banana ( Musa acuminata “Cavendish”) in a micro plot experiment and under field trial conditions

Eupatorium odoratum is known for its ability to resist nematode infestations that attack the root systems of banana plants. An aqueous extract of the leaves and stems of E. odoratum (named EEOL) represents a natural solution that we investigated for its potential to control the harmful nematode, Radopholus similis, in Cavendish banana plants. Our research into EEOL’s efficacy spanned two distinct environments: a micro plot experiment model and a field model. Various concentrations of EEOL were examined to assess its efficacy in alleviating R. similis infestations and in mitigating their adverse effects on Cavendish banana plants. In the micro plot experiment model, the concentration of the original solution, diluted at ratios of 1:30×, 1 : 16×, 1 : 8×, 1 : 4×, and 1 : 2×, ranged from 1.76 to 28.16 mg · ml -1. In the field model, the corresponding rates varied from 6.03 to 96.54 l · ha -1. Key parameters, including infection rates, root necrosis indices, plant growth metrics, percentage of fallen trees, and harvest yields, were meticulously monitored and assessed. The results demonstrated that EEOL significantly reduced infection rates ( p < 0.05), decreased root necrosis indices ( p < 0.05), and promoted increased plant height, pseudostem circumference, and leaf area ( p < 0.05) in both models. Furthermore, it lowered the percentage of fallen trees ( p < 0.05) and enhanced harvest yields ( p < 0.05) in the field model. Notably, observations in the field model revealed that EEOL, particularly at a dosage of 96.54 l · ha -1, exhibited effectiveness equivalent to the conventional chemical nematode control method, fenamiphos ( p > 0.05). The study’s findings underscore the promising potential of EEOL in effectively managing R. similis infestations and improving the yield and quality of Cavendish banana plants. The aqueous extract of the stem and leaves of E. odoratum emerged as an effective nematode management solution for banana cultivation, in both the micro plot experiment and field conditions.

Genome-wide in-silico analysis of ethylene biosynthesis gene family in Musa acuminata L. and their response under nutrient stress

Ethylene is a gaseous phytohormone involved in plants’ growth and developmental processes, including seed germination, root initiation, fruit ripening, flower and leaf senescence, abscission, and stress responses. Ethylene biosynthesis (EB) gene analysis in response to nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) stress has not yet been conducted in Musa acuminata (banana) roots. The genome mining of banana (Musa acuminata L.) revealed 14 putative 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS), 10 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO), and 3 Ethylene overproducer 1 (ETO1) genes. ACS, ACO, and ETO1 proteins possessed amino acid residues ranging from 422–684, 636–2670, and 893–969, respectively, with molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 4.93–7.55 kD, 10.1–8.3 kD and 10.1–10.78 kD. The number of introns present in ACS, ACO, and ETO1 gene sequences ranges from 0–14, 1–6, and 0–6, respectively. The cis-regulatory element analysis revealed the presence of light-responsive, abscisic acid, seed regulation, auxin-responsive, gibberellin element, endosperm-specific, anoxic inducibility, low-temperature responsiveness, salicylic acid responsiveness, meristem-specific and stress-responsive elements. Comprehensive phylogenetic analyses ACS, ACO, and ETO1 genes of Banana with Arabidopsis thaliana revealed several orthologs and paralogs assisting in understanding the putative functions of these genes. The expression profile of Musa acuminata genes in root under normal and low levels of nitrogen and potassium shows that MaACS14 and MaACO6 expressed highly at normal nitrogen supply. MaACS1 expression was significantly upregulated at low potassium levels, whereas, MaACO6 gene expression was significantly downregulated. The functional divergence and site-specific selective pressures on specific gene sequences of banana have been investigated. The bioinformatics-based genome-wide assessment of the family of banana attempted in the present study could be a significant step for deciphering novel ACS, ACO, and ETO1 genes based on genome-wide expression profiling.

Application of Musa acuminata mediated iron oxide nanoparticles in the removal of sunset yellow dye

This study deals with the biogenic preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles (MION) by employing the Musa acuminata pseudostem extract. The morphological aspects of MION were investigated using SEM and HR-TEM, revealing its spherical shape and size of 20 - 60 nm. The MION’s XRD spectra further supported their size to be 20 nm. The FTIR spectrum depicted the presence of phytochemicals in Musa acuminata pseudo stem extract. Antibacterial studies were performed to assess MION’s biocompatibility. The MION was subjected to remove sunset yellow FCF dye solution and batch adsorption parameters like pH (3.0), contact time (180 min), MION dosage (4 mg/100 mL) and initial dye concentration (15 mg/L) were optimized. It was also ascertained that the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetics were found to be best fit with a maximum adsorption capacity of 8.93 mg/mg, respectively. The thermodynamic findings indicated that MION's adsorption process exhibited spontaneity and endothermicity. The effect of ionic strength and humic acid resulted in a corresponding enhancement and reduction in the removal efficacy for sunset yellow adsorption. The recyclability of MION exhibited consistent performance over five successive cycles with a 75.4% sunset yellow recovery rate. Therefore, MION is cost-effective and efficient in removing toxic dye pollutants.

Downstream Processing of Crude Ultrasound-Extracted Pectin From Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana (BBB Group) "Saba") Peel.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of pectin from Saba banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana (BBB Group) "Saba") peels produced crude pectin that requires further purification. Two downstream processes (alcohol washing (AW) and acid demethylation (AD)) were compared. AW involved gelatinous precipitate washing with 85% alcohol and pressing to squeeze out liquids, while AD involved a sequential AW of the dried pectin with 60% acidified alcohol, and 60% and 95% alcohol solutions. Results showed that both methods produced low methoxyl pectins with similar color, yield, and moisture content, with no significant (p > 0.05) differences observed. AD, however, produced pectin with better quality in terms of ash content and anhydrouronic acid (AUA) content relative to the control. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the samples contain -OH, C-H, COO-, COO, and C-O groups, but only AD has COO-R due to structural modification. Overall, AD has the potential to improve the quality of crude ultrasound-extracted pectin from Saba banana peels. Yet, pre-extraction processing methods are necessary to meet FAO color standards for pectin.