Wild Banana Species Research Articles

Resistance sources to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 in banana wild relatives

Target trait evaluation in crop wild relatives is an important prerequisite for efficiently using the potential useful genes located in this valuable germplasm. Over recent decades, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc‐TR4) has seriously threatened worldwide banana plantations. Breeding new resistant cultivars from wild banana species is expected to provide invaluable additional resources. However, knowledge on resistance to Foc‐TR4 in wild Musa species is very limited. In this study, eight genotypes of wild banana relatives (Musa acuminata subsp. burmannica, M. balbisiana, M. basjoo, M. itinerans, M. nagensium, M. ruiliensis, M. velutina and M. yunnanensis) were characterized for resistance to Foc‐TR4 in both greenhouse and field conditions. Most wild bananas showed higher resistance levels to Foc‐TR4 than the reference cultivars ‘Brazilian’ (AAA, susceptible) and ‘Goldfinger’ (AAAB, moderate resistance). Among the wild species, M. balbisiana showed the highest levels of disease intensity followed by M. acuminata subsp. burmannica. Some individuals of M. yunnanensis, M. nagensium, M. ruiliensis and M. velutina showed low levels of rhizome discolouration in greenhouse conditions, but were resistant in the field. No symptoms were observed on M. basjoo and M. itinerans, suggesting higher levels of resistance to Foc‐TR4. The results revealed different sources of resistance to Foc‐TR4 in banana wild relatives, which constitute a valuable genetic resource for banana breeding programmes aiming to produce cultivars resistant to fusarium wilt.

Two New Records of Wild Bananas (Musa balbisiana and Musa itinerans) from Sulawesi

The diversity of wild banana species in Sulawesi was investigated based on the morphological characteristics of herbarium specimens collected in Sulawesi and deposited in the Herbarium Bogoriense, Bogor, Indonesia (BO). New specimens were collected from Central, North, South, and Southeast Sulawesi, and digital type specimens were also used in this study. The aim of this study was to describe the diversity of wild banana species in Sulawesi as most Musaceae specimens stored at BO have not been identified. By examinating 110 sheets of herbarium specimens, five species of Musa, including two infraspecific taxa of M. acuminata housed in Sulawesi, were identified. M. acuminata, M. celebica, and M. textilis were previously reported from Sulawesi. However, M. balbisiana and M. itinerans are two new records of wild banana species in Sulawesi. Identification keys, descriptions, distribution maps, and line-drawing illustrations of these two species are provided. Makara Vol. 18 No. 1. 2014. P: 1-5

Phylogenetical Study of Wild Banana Species (Musa L.) in Sulawesi Inferred from Internal Transcribed Spacer Region of Nuclear Ribosomal DNA Sequences

Study to determine the phylogenetic relationship of wild banana species (Musa) in Sulawesi based on the ITS regions sequences has been done. A total of 28 samples including 16 ITS sequences from GeneBank were used. Species of Ensete and Musella were incorporated as an outgroup. Total DNA was extracted by the modified CTAB. ITS-5 and ITS-4 primers were used to amplify the ITS regions. Data sequences were edited by ChromasPro and were aligned by Muscle software.Some unique nucleotides were found in M. balbisiana, M. itinerans, and M. textilis sequences. Strict consensus tree revealed from Maximum Parsimony (MP) as well as Bayesian analysis showed Musa textilis was separated from other taxa in which M. textilis become as the basal sister to M. balbisiana. By using MP analysis, M. itinerans together with M. acuminata ssp. banksii, M. acuminata var. tomentosa, and M. celebica placed in the same clade, whereas Bayesian analysis showed M. itinerans was separated and placed in different clade.

Musa arunachalensis: a new species of Musa section Rhodochlamys (Musaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India

A wild banana species from West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India, belonging to section Rhodochlamys, is newly described as Musa arunachalensis. A detailed description, additional notes, illustration, phenology and photographs are provided.

Investigation into the pharmacognostical and phytochemical features of seeds of Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman: An unexplored medicinal plant of India

IntroductionEnsete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman, a wild banana species endemic to the Western Ghats, northeastern hills of India and northern Thailand. The seeds are known for their medicinal value and are widely used by indigenous healers as remedy for human disorders. MethodsSystematic pharmacognostical evaluation of seeds of the plant has been carried out with focus on physicochemical and phytochemical characterization. ResultsMacroscopical and microscopical features of the seed have been documented. Preliminary phytochemical investigations indicated presence of steroid, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and sugars. HPTLC fingerprint profile was developed for identification of active compounds. DiscussionE. superbum is an under-exploited medicinal plant of immense utility. The seeds are utilized by indigenous communities to cure various human ailment without adverse or side effects The present study has unveiled standardization of macroscopic and microscopic characterizations of the seed coat, embryo and perisperm powder. Seeds of E. superbum comprises of hard seed coat, perisperm, endosperm, embryo and chalazal disk. The seed coat consists of exotesta and Mesotesta made from sclerenchyma cells. The silica layer present in seed coat increases the strength and hardness of testa.Determination of physico-chemical parameters for endosperm and testa of seeds are subjected as per standard methods. HPTLC fingerprint profile has also been recorded for identification of the E. superbum extract. Phytochemical entities such as steroid, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins and sugar were detected by colour tests. The standard tests conducted in the present investigation are important and useful in determining authenticity and purity of crude seed powder drug of E. superbum. ConclusionThese parameters can be utilized for quick identification of the drug and are useful in establishing the identity of this medicinal material as whole or even in the form of powder.

Development and characterisation of microsatellite markers for wild banana (Musa balbisiana)

SummaryThe wild banana species, Musa balbisiana Colla., is one of the progenitors of cultivated banana and belongs to the family Musaceae. M. balbisiana is native to Southeast Asia.The species harbours many useful and important traits such as disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance, and represents an important genetic resource for banana improvement programmes. Thus, the development of microsatellite markers for this species could be of value for use in germplasm conservation, genetic studies, and gene mapping. We report the development of 63 microsatellite (simple sequence repeat; SSR) markers from a microsatellite-enriched library, and have demonstrated their utility in characterising 30 banana accessions belonging to the AA, BB, or AB genome types. The number of alleles detected per locus ranged from two to 21 (mean = 11). The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.138 – 0.934 (mean = 0.817), and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.131 – 0.912 (mean = 0.771).The total probability of identity (i.e., the probability of two cultivars sharing the same genetic profile by chance) was 1.06 10–66. Thus, the 63 SSR markers developed here will be useful for genotyping, for genetic diversity studies, and for gene mapping in the genus, Musa.

Spatial and temporal effects on seed dispersal and seed predation of Musa acuminata in southern Yunnan, China

Wild bananas are abundant in tropical areas and many ecologists have observed that the succession process is quicker following increased disturbance. This study was conducted to analyze animal-seed interactions and their effects on the seed fate of a wild banana species (Musa acuminata) in tropical southern Yunnan (China) through experiments considering spatial (site and habitat) and temporal (seasons) variation. The largest proportion of fruits (81%) was removed by frugivorous seed dispersers, especially by bats at nighttime. Only 13% of the fruits were removed by climbing seed predators (different species of rats). In the exclosure treatment, rodents accounted for a significantly higher total artificially exposed seed removal number than ants, but with spatial and temporal differences. The highest seed predation rate by rodents (70%) was found in forest with wild banana stands, corresponding with the highest rodent diversity (species numbers and abundance) among the habitat types. In contrast, the seed removal number by ants (57%) was highest in the open land habitats, but there was no close correlation with ant diversity. Seed removal numbers by ants were significantly higher in the dry compared to the rainy season, but rodent activity showed no differences between seasons. The overall results suggest that the largest proportion of seeds produced by wild banana are primarily dispersed by bats. Primary seed dispersal by bats at nighttime is essential for wild banana seeds to escape seed predation.

Kajian Etnobotani Pisang-pisang Liar (Musa spp.) Di Malinau, Kalimantan Timur

Ethnobotany studies of wild banana species in Malinau, East Kalimantan has been done. There are two varieties of wild banana species in Malinau, e.g. Musa borneensis Becc. var. flavida Hakkinen & Meekiong and Musa acuminata Colla var. microcarpa Nasution. They have an important roles in the customs of the local communities in Malinau, Punan tribes as land certificate. In addition, young pseudostem of M. borneensis Becc. var. flavida often used as food in the traditional parties. The description and the uses of M. borneensis var. flavida and M. acuminata var. microcarpa are presented here.

Musa chuniiHäkkinen, a new species (Musaceae) from Yunnan, China and taxonomic identity ofMusa rubra

The center of diversity of the genus Musa (Musaceae) is in Southeast Asia, a region not studied in detail and where new species and varieties continue to be reported. A new wild banana species, M. chunii Häkkinen from Yunnan, China is described and illustrated based on observed morphological characteristics in the field. This extremely rare new species was only found in Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, Dehong District, West Yunnan. A key to M. chunii and related taxa is provided. In addition, critical notes regarding M. rubra Kurz identity are given.

Musa zaifui sp. nov. (Musaceae) from Yunnan, China

The center of diversity of the genus Musa (Musaceae) is in southeast Asia, a region not studied in detail and where new species and varieties are reported continously. Here, a new wild banana species Musa zaifui Häkkinen & H. Wang from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. These studies are based on observed morphological characteristics in the field and from cultivated plants in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. Musa sect. Rhodochlamys in west Yunnan and east Myanmar have a rich diversity caused by their hermaphroditic flowers in which self‐pollination takes place before the bracts open. This habit has evolved in response to their isolation in different watersheds and the lack of proper pollinators. The seeds of these plants’ fruits are dispersed in the local area by small mammals. Hybrids are very seldomly encountered due to self‐pollination. Musa zaifui is only observed in a wet ditch covered with secondary forest on the eastern bank of Da Yingjiang River, on the way from Yingjiang to Longchuan (about 50 km from Yingjiang), Dehong District, west Yunnan. A key to M. zaifui and related taxa is provided.

New Species and Variety of Musa (Musaceae) from Yunnan, China

One wild banana species, Musa yunnanensis Häkkinen & Wang Hong, and one variety of Musa L., M. acuminata Colla var. chinensis Häkkinen & Wang Hong, from Yunnan, China, are newly described and illustrated. These studies are based on observed morphological characteristics in the field and from specimens in various herbaria, and are supported by the existing literature on the Musaceae. A key to Musa yunnanensis and related taxa is provided.

"Musa azizii", a new "Musa" species ("Musaceae") from northern Borneo

A new wild banana species, Musa azizii Hakkinen, is described and illustrated. The species is extremely rare, originating in the Lumut Range area of Sarawak, East Malaysia.

Genetic Variation Among Vegetative Compatibility Groups of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Analyzed by DNA Fingerprinting

ABSTRACT Genetic variation within a worldwide collection of 208 isolates of Fu-sarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, representing physiological races 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the 20 reported vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs), was analyzed using modified DNA amplification fingerprinting. Also characterized were 133 isolates that did not belong to any of the reported VCGs of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense including race 3 isolates from a Heliconia species and isolates from a symptomatic wild banana species growing in the jungle in peninsular Malaysia. The DNA fingerprint patterns were generally VCG specific, irrespective of geographic or host origin. A total of 33 different genotypes were identified within F. oxysporum f. sp. cu-bense; 19 genotypes were distinguished among the isolates that belonged to the 20 reported VCGs, and 14 new genotypes were identified among the isolates that did not belong to any of the existing VCGs. DNA fingerprinting analysis also allowed differentiation of nine clonal lineages within F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. Five of these lineages each contained numerous closely related VCGs and genotypes, and the remaining four lineages each contained a single genotype. The genetic diversity and geographic distribution of several of these lineages of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense suggests that they have coevolved with edible bananas and their wild diploid progenitors in Asia. DNA fingerprinting analysis of isolates from the wild pathosystem provides further evidence for the coevolution hypothesis. The genetic isolation and limited geographic distribution of four of the lineages of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense suggests that the pathogen has also arisen independently, both within and outside of the center of origin of the host.

Plantain-derived Diploid Hybrids (TMP2x) with Black Sigatoka Resistance

Plantain (Musa spp., AAB group), a triploid (2n = 3x = 33) giant perennial herb of the tropics, is a natural interspecific hybrid between the two wild banana species M. acuminata Colla. and M. balbisiana Colla. These diploid species contributed the A and B genomes, respectively (Simmonds, 1962). Triploidy makes plantain crossbreeding difficult but not impossible (Swennen and Vuylsteke, 1993). As such, plantain progenies were obtained when triploid plantains were crossed with diploid M. acuminata clones (Vuylsteke et al., 1993c). Genetic improvement of plantain is required because its sustainable production is threatened by increasing disease and pest pressure (Vuylsteke et al., 1993b). One of the major constraints is the black sigatoka leaf spot disease (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet), which causes yield losses of at least 33% (Mobambo et al., 1993). Production and cultivation of resistant cultivars are generally considered the most appropriate means to control the disease. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) targets the development of improved plantain germplasm. So far, 14 improved plantain-derived tetraploid (4x) hybrids with black sigatoka resistance have been selected for multilocational testing and further cultivar release by national agricultural research programs (Vuylsteke et al., 1993d). In addition to the tetraploid hybrids, progenies with other ploidies were also recovered from the 3x x 2x crosses, diploids (2x) being most numerous (Vuylsteke et al., 1993c). Plantainderived diploids play an important role in

Bract Pigmentation in Bananas

SIMMONDS1 investigated the pigmentation of the bracts of wild banana species and edible cultivars. Of the two wild species from which the Eumusa series of edible bananas are derived2 Musa acuminata was found to contain a mixture of delphinidin, petunidin, malvidin, cyanidin, and peonidin, that is, both cyanidin, delphinidin and their methylated derivatives, whereas Musa balbisiana contained only a mixture of delphinidin and cyanidin. Methylated anthocyanidins were absent. The bracts of edible bananas were found to have “broadly, the pigments expected on taxonomic and genetic grounds but show an (unexplained) tendency towards a generally lower level of methylation of the anthocyanidins”1. That is to say, some cultivars clearly derived from M. acuminata nevertheless only contained non-methylated anthocyanidins. At the time of the 1954 investigation the various geographical subspecies of Musca acuminata3 were not yet clearly defined and little material from Melanesia was available. We now have available in Honduras a much larger Musa collection4 of which 526 accessions of Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, and their cultivars haying bracts pigmented with anthocyanin have been examined.