Fusarium Tropical Race 4 in Latin America and the Caribbean: status and global research advances towards disease management.

Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), poses an undeniable threat to global banana production. This disease has intensified in recent years, with the tropical race 4 (TR4) strain spreading rapidly. Since 2018, the number of affected countries has increased from 16 to 23, presenting a significant challenge to researchers, producers, and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) worldwide. The potential impact of TR4 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is particularly concerning. This region boasts seven of the top ten banana-exporting countries, and bananas and plantains are crucial for food security and income generation. In Colombia, where TR4 was detected in 2019, the disease has already spread from La Guajira to Magdalena, and it is currently affecting 20 large commercial export farms. In Peru, the disease was detected in 2021 and although still restricted to the northern region, flood irrigation and heavy rains associated with the Yaku cyclone, boosted pathogen spread, and more than 400 small organic banana farmers are currently affected. In Venezuela, TR4 detection occurred in 2023, with plantations across three states and five municipalities now affected. Worryingly, TR4 has also been confirmed in plantains, a staple food in the region. Current national responses in LAC primarily rely on preventive and reactive measures: preventing initial incursions and containing outbreaks to avoid further spread. However, the disease's relentless progression suggests that its eventual presence in all banana-producing areas is likely. Therefore, exploring alternative management approaches beyond pathogen exclusion becomes crucial, both in affected and disease-free regions. This paper examines the current spread of TR4, focusing on epidemiological aspects and recent research-based management options. Key epidemiological features were highlighted, drawing practical examples from various scales (plots to landscapes) and utilizing experiences from LAC's fight against TR4. The paper also reviews field-tested approaches in biosecurity, biological control, resistant varieties, soil health, and integrated disease management, acknowledging the specific challenges faced by smallholder settings. In each section research initiatives were analyzed, identifying gaps, and proposing directions to minimize TR4 impact and accelerate the development of sustainable solutions for managing this devastating disease.

Phytoparasitic Nematodes of Musa spp. with Emphasis on Sources of Genetic Resistance: A Systematic Review.

Bananas are a staple food that considerably contributes to both food security and income generation, especially in countries of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The banana plant (Musa spp.) is affected by various pathogens, of main concern being the plant-parasitic nematodes associated with the rhizosphere, the most important of which are Radopholus similis (burrowing nematode), Helicotylenchus sp. (spiral nematode), Pratylenchus sp. (root lesion nematode), and Meloidogyne sp. (gall nematode). Infected plants reduce their ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to delayed flowering, fewer bunches, and lower fruit mass. Obtaining nematode-resistant banana cultivars through genetic improvement is an effective and sustainable option compared with chemical control with nematicides. Here, we provide the first systematic review of existing banana sources of resistance to nematodes to aid the management and control of nematodes in banana and plantain crops. Articles selected from different databases were evaluated, and searches were conducted using pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. We found 69 studies dealing with genetic improvement for nematode resistance in banana cultivation. Our findings revealed that sources of resistance are currently under investigation to combat the diseases caused by different nematode species in banana plants.

Quantification of flavonoids, minerals, and pigments present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process.

Banana is one of the most consumed and popular fruits in all regions of the world, being cultivated mainly in tropical countries. It is not only a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and nutrients, but it also contains several types of antioxidants with high nutritional value. In this context, the current study aimed to quantify the content of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, pigments, and minerals present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process. As demonstrated, the level of flavonoids was higher in ripe and overripe fruits, whereas the mineral composition was high only at ripening stage 4 (more yellow than green) a stage that should be prioritized when recommending fruit consumption to the population deficient in these minerals. Regarding pigments, there was a reduction in chlorophylls a and b and an increase in carotenoids and anthocyanins in peels and pulps. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Flavonoids are phenolic, bioactive compounds with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and products of the plant's secondary metabolism. The degradation of chlorophylls and synthesis of carotenoids and anthocyanins, and as a consequence of the latter pigment, the increase in flavonoids in the pulp was evident during the monitoring of ripening, mainly in the fruit peels in relation to pigments. Minerals are essential elements, the main ones provided in balanced diets and important for dietary and nutritional health.

Energy metabolism and respirometry of lambs fed sun or shade dried hays of banana crop residues.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of different drying methods for banana residues on the energy metabolism and respirometry of growing lambs. Twenty Santa Inês x Dorper lambs were fed five experimental diets: Tifton 85 grass hay (Control), shade-dried banana leaf hay (LH Shade), shade-dried pseudostem banana hay (PH Shade), sun-dried banana leaf hay (LH Sun), and sun-dried banana pseudostem hay (PH Sun). Nutrient intake and digestibility were assessed in metabolic cages, whereas O2 consumption and CO2, methane, and heat production were measured in a respirometry chamber with animals fed at maintenance and ad libitum levels. Nutrient and energy intake was not influenced by diet. Pseudostem hay had higher apparent digestibility of dry matter (71.5%), organic matter (72.4%), and neutral detergent fiber (58.0%). However, this led to greater energy loss in the form of methane (12.1%). The banana residue hays and drying methods did not alter oxygen consumption, CO2 production, or heat production of animals fed ad libitum or during maintenance. On the other hand, the use of leaf hay resulted in a reduction of 24.7% in enteric methane production of animals fed ad libitum. The inclusion of pseudostem hay is recommended in sheep feedlot diet. This residue provided greater use of DM, however promoted a greater loss of energy in the form of methane, resulting in similar energy consumption. The drying methods did not reduce the availability of nutrients and the sun drying method is recommended, since it is a faster drying method.

First report of Lasiodiplodia iraniensis causing crown rot on banana fruits in Brazil.

Banana is a fruit of great importance in Brazil and crown rot cause considerable damage and losses (Ploetz et al. 2003). The disease is associated with fungal complexes, especially the Lasiodiplodia theobromae sensu lato (Kamel et al. 2016; Renganathan et al. 2020; Waliullah et al. 2022). Three asymptomatic bunches of banana cv. 'Prata Catarina' were collected in Russas, Brazil (04°58'11.6"S, 38°01'44.5"W), in 2017. The samples were disinfected (NaClO, 200 ppm), and incubated in a moist chamber at 28 °C, with 12 h light/12 h dark for 3 days. With the appearance of the symptoms (32% of severity), the isolation was conducted in potato dextrose agar (PDA). A monosporic culture (BAN14) was obtained from a typical crown rot lesion, which was subjected to morphological characterization, showing abundant aerial mycelium of olivaceous grey color on the surface and greenish grey on the back (Rayner 1970) in PDA after 15 days at 28 °C. The growth rate was 28.2 mm. day-1. The fungus produced pycnidia and conidia on water agar medium containing pine needles, with 3-4 weeks at 28 °C, presenting conidia initially aseptate, subglobose to subcylindrical, becoming pigmented with 1-central transverse septum and longitudinal striations 23.5 (18.7) 26.0 x 12.7 (9.7) 14.8 µm (n=50). Paraphyses, hyaline, cylindrical, thin-walled, apparently coenocytic with rounded apex, with length and width dimensions of 34 (43.8) 53.2 x 2.1 (2.5) 3.2 µm (n=30). Conidiophore absent, conidiogenous cells hyaline, smooth and with thin walls. The genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR with primers TEF1-688F/TEF1-1251R, ITS1/ITS4, and Bt2a/Bt2b, and sequenced in both directions (O'Donnell et al. 1998; O'Donnell et al. 2010) (GenBank accession ON975017 [TEF1], ON986403 [TUB2], and ON921398 [ITS]). BLASTn analysis of TEF1, TUB2 and ITS sequences in NCBI database showed 99 to 100% nucleotide identity to a representative isolate of Lasiodiplodia iraniensis (IRAN921). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony based on the combined TEF1, TUB2 and ITS sequences indicated that the BAN14 formed a supported clade (82% bootstrap value) to L. iraniensis. The pathogenicity was evaluated in 20 banana fruit cv. 'Prata Catarina', at the point of harvest. For inoculation, the bananas were washed with water and soap, and disinfected with NaClO (200 ppm). Posteriorly, two wounds were made on the extremities of the fruits, in which were deposited mycelial discs of 5 mm in diameter, with 7 days of the growth on PDA. After inoculation, the fruits were incubated in plastic boxes in a wet chamber at 25 °C, with 12 h light/12 h dark for 5 days. The control fruits were not inoculated with the pathogen, only with PDA discs. The experiments were repeat twice. The BAN14 isolate was pathogenic to the banana cv. 'Prata Catarina'. The BAN14 was grouped with the species L. iraniensis described by Abdollahzadeh et al. (2010) in Iran. This species is distributed in Asia, South and North America, Australia, and Africa. In Brazil it was reported in association to Anacardium occidentale, Annona muricata, A. squamosa, Annona ×cherimola-squamosa, Citrus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Jatropha curcas, Mangifera indica, Manihot esculenta, Nopalea cochenillifera, Vitis sp. and V. vinifera. Until the moment, there is not description of the relation between banana crown rot and L. iraniensis (Farr and Rossman 2022). Our work is the first report on the pathogenicity of this species on banana fruit cv. 'Prata Catarina' worldwide.

Musa spp. cultivars as a neutralising source against some toxic activities of Bothrops and Crotalus genus snake venoms.

Accidents involving snakes from Bothrops spp. and Crotalus spp. constitute the most important cause of envenomation in Brazil and Argentina. Musa spp. (banana) have been reported to be used in popular medicine against snakebite by the members of the Canudos Settlement, located in Goiás. In this way, the aim of this work was to evaluate the antivenom effect of the Ouro (AA), Prata (AAB), Prata-anã (AAB) and Figo (ABB) cultivars against in vitro (phospholipase, coagulation and proteolytic) and in vivo (lethality and toxicity) activities caused by the venoms and toxicity (Artemia salina nauplii and Danio rerio embryos) of Musa spp. as well as the annotation of chemical compounds possibly related to these activities. From the in vitro antiophidic tests with the sap, we observed 100% inhibition of the phospholipase and coagulant activities with the cultivars Prata-anã and Figo against the venoms of B. alternatus and C. d. collineatus, B. diporus and B. pauloensis, respectively, and neutralisation of the lethality against the B. diporus venom. It was observed that the cultivars of Musa spp. did not show toxicity against Artemia salina nauplii and Danio rerio embryos. The sap analysis via HPLC-MS/MS allowed the annotation of the 13 compounds: abscisic acid, shikimic acid, citric acid, quinic acid, afzelechin, Glp-hexose, glucose, sucrose, isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside-6-raminoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside-3-raminoside, myricetin-3-O-rutinoside, procyanidin B1 and rutin. Therefore, it can be seen that Musa spp. is a potential therapeutic agent that can act to neutralise the effects caused by snakebites.

The Advance of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 in Musaceae of Latin America and the Caribbean: Current Situation.

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (syn. Fusarium odoratissimum) (Foc TR4) causes vascular wilt in Musaceae plants and is considered the most lethal for these crops. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), it was reported for the first time in Colombia (2019), later in Peru (2021), and recently declared in Venezuela (2023). This work aimed to analyze the evolution of Foc TR4 in Musaceae in LAC between 2018 and 2022. This perspective contains a selection of topics related to Foc TR4 in LAC that address and describe (i) the threat of Foc TR4 in LAC, (ii) a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production of Foc TR4 in LAC, (iii) the current situation of Foc TR4 in Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, (iv) medium-term prospects in LAC member countries, and (v) export trade and local food security. In this study, the presence of Foc TR4 in Venezuela and the possible consequences of the production of Musaceae in the long term were reported for the first time. In conclusion, TR4 is a major threat to banana production in Latin America and the world, and it is important to take measures to control the spread of the fungus and minimize its impact on the banana industry. It is important to keep working on the control of Foc TR4, which requires the participation of the local and international industry, researchers, and consumers, among others, to prevent the disappearance of bananas.

Potencial antiinflamatorio del plátano Musa spp. ABB para la elaboración de fitofármacos

Los plátanos pertenecientes al género Musa spp. ABB han sido utilizados para el tratamiento de la inflamación y el dolor. La búsqueda de antiinflamatorios de origen natural, más que una alternativa, constituye una terapia complementaria del tratamiento de la inflamación, ya que los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos son los más utilizados para enfermedades inflamatorias agudas o crónicas, pero a la vez presentan efectos secundarios gastrointestinales, cardiovasculares y renales, por lo que no es recomendable su uso prolongado. En este trabajo se ofrece información actualizada sobre los efectos farmacológicos y los metabolitos secundarios del grupo Musa spp. ABB, para su uso en la elaboración de un medicamento antiinflamatorio. Los procedimientos realizados incluyen el análisis documental y bibliográfico -en bases de datos- de artículos científicos, tesis doctorales y comunicaciones científicas; el registro de la información, y la elaboración del artículo científico, teniendo en cuenta la actualización de la información y los sitios donde se promueve la misma. Se han comprobado, a partir de extractos acuosos y alcohólicos de la planta, efectos farmacológicos tales como antiinflamatorio, antioxidante, analgésico, gastroprotector, inmunomodulador, antidiabético, anticancerígeno, antibacteriano, antiviral, hipolipemiante, antidiarreico, antihipertensivo, hepatoprotector, cicatrizante, antiulceroso y antifúngico. Los efectos antiinflamatorios y antioxidantes están relacionados con la presencia de fenoles, ácidos fenólicos, flavonoides, fitoesteroles y carotenos. Es muy limitado el empleo de extractos del grupo Musa spp. ABB en medicamentos, de ahí la propuesta de desarrollar una crema antiinflamatoria como alternativa o complemento para el tratamiento de múltiples enfermedades inflamatorias.

Plantains belonging to the genus Musa spp. ABB have been used for the treatment of infection and pain. The search for anti-inflammatories of natural origins, more than an alternative, is a complementary therapy for the treatment of inflammation, since non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are the most used for acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, but at the same time they present gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal side effects, so their prolonged use is not recommended. In this paper, updated information is provided on the pharmacological effects and secondary metabolites of the Musa ssp. ABB group, for its use in elaborating an anti-inflammatory drug. The procedures carried out include documental and bibliographic analysis -in databases-of scientific articles, doctoral theses and scientific communications; the information record and preparation of the article taking into account the information updating and the sites where it is supported. From aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the plant, the following effects were proven: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, gastro-protective, inmuno-modulator, antidiabetic, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, lipid-lowering, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, healing, anti-ulcerative and antifungal. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are related to the presence of phenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols and carotenes. The use of Musa spp. ABB group in drugs is very limited, therefore the proposal of developing an anti-inflammatory cream to treat multiple inflammatory diseases.

Comparison of the alcohol content obtained in the fermentation of dwarf cavendish bananaand its peel for the purposes of brandy production / Comparação do teor alcóolico obtido na fermentação de banana nanica e de sua casca para fins de produção de aguardente

Brandy is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in Brazil, being produced with sweet vegetables, cereals, sugar cane and fruits that have fermentable sugars. This drink is confused with cachaça, from which it is distinguished by the alcoholic degree and typically Brazilian productivity. Banana stands out in Brazil and in the world as the second fruit in productivity, behind only orange, being an accessible raw material for the production of brandy. This processing is advantageous due to the rapid ripening of this fruit, which can often make it impossible to fresh to the consumer. This study aimed to carry out the fermentation through the inoculation of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiaeseparately for pulp and skins of Dwarf Cavendish bananas to verify the alcohol content produced. The banana pulp brandy reached an alcohol content of 39,5° GL, within the stipulated by the current legislation, the peel, however, did not allow adequate alcohol levels (7,5° GL). It is concluded that the pulp of Dwarf Cavendish banana is viable for the production of brandy.(AU)

A aguardente é uma das bebidasalcoólicasmais consumidasno Brasil, sendo produzida comvegetais doces, cereais, cana-de-açúcar e frutas que possuemaçúcares fermentescíveis. Esta bebida é confundida com a cachaça, da qual é diferenciadapelo grau alcoólicoe produtividade tipicamente brasileira. Abanana possui destaque no Brasil e no mundo como a segunda fruta em produtividade,atrás apenas da laranja, sendo uma matéria-prima acessível para a produção de aguardenteem razão do processo de amadurecimento rápido,o que acaba muitas vezes por inviabilizar a venda in naturapara o consumidor. Este estudo objetivou realizar a fermentação através da inoculação da levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiaeseparadamente para mostosdapolpa e cascas de bananas nanicapara verificar o teor alcóolico produzido. A aguardente de polpa de bananaatingiu teor alcoólicode 39,5° GL, dentro do estipulado pela legislação vigente, a casca, contudo, não permitiuníveis alcóolicos adequados(7,5°GL). Conclui-se que a polpa da banana nanica é viável para a produção de aguardente.(AU)

Antagonism of volatile organic compounds of the Bacillus sp. against Fusarium kalimantanense.

Fusarium kalimantanense is a genetic lineage of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) and belongs to the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC). This pathogen is a causative agent of Panama disease, an infection that has caused damage to the banana crop worldwide. Bacillus sp. (LPPC170) showed preliminary antagonist activity against F. kalimantanense (LPPC130) in vitro tests from the cultivation of axenic culture and co-culture with inhibition of mycelial growth of phytopathogen of 41.23%. According to these findings, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from Bacillus sp. were obtained by solid-phase microextraction and identified by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The multivariate data analysis tool (PLS-DA and Heatmap) identified short-chain organic acids as the main antagonistic VOCs responsible for inhibiting the mycelial growth of LPPC130. Acetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of LPPC130, with inhibition of 20.68%, 33.30%, 26.87%, 43.71%, and 53.10%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that VOCs caused damage to the vegetative and reproductive structures of the fungus. These results suggest Bacillus LPPC170 as an excellent biocontrol tool against the phytopathogen causative agents of Panama disease.

Molecular, Histological and Histochemical Responses of Banana Cultivars Challenged with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense with Different Levels of Virulence.

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is the most limiting factor in the banana agribusiness worldwide. Therefore, studies regarding pathogen attack mechanisms, and especially host defense responses, in this pathosystem are of utmost importance for genetic breeding programs in the development of Foc-resistant banana cultivars. In this study, analysis at the molecular, histological and histochemical levels of the Musa spp. x Foc interaction was performed. Three Foc isolates representative of race 1 (R1), subtropical race 4 (ST4) and isolate 229A, which is a putative ST4, were inoculated in two Prata-type cultivars (Prata-Anã and BRS Platina) and one cultivar of the Cavendish type (Grand Naine). Of seven genes related to plant-pathogen interactions, five were overexpressed in 'BRS Platina' 12 h after inoculation (HAI) with Foc R1 and ST4 but had reduced or negative expression after inoculation with Foc 229A, according to RT-qPCR analyses. While hyphae, mycelia and spores of the Foc 229A isolate grow towards the central cylinder of the Grand Naine and Prata-Anã cultivars, culminating in the occlusion of the xylem vessels, the BRS Platina cultivar responds with increased presence of cellulose, phenolic compounds and calcium oxalate crystals, reducing colonization within 30 days after inoculation (DAI). In general, these data indicate that the cultivar BRS Platina has potential for use in banana-breeding programs focused on resistance to Foc tropical race 4 (TR4) and in aggregating information on the virulence relationships of the Foc pathogen and the defense responses of banana plants after infection.

Agroclimatic zoning for bananas under climate change in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Climate change is the main cause of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants and affects yield. Therefore, we sought to carry out a study on future changes in the agroclimatic conditions of banana cultivation in Brazil. The current agroclimatic zoning was carried out with data obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology related to mean air temperature, annual rainfall, and soil texture data in Brazil. The global climate model BCC-CSM1.1 (Beijing Climate Center-Climate System Model, version 1.1), adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, corresponding to Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5 for the period 2050 (2041-2060) and 2070 (2061-2080), obtained through the CHELSA V1.2 platform, was chosen for the climate projections of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5. Matrix images at a depth of 5-15 cm, obtained through the product of the SoilGrids system, were used for the texture data. ArcGIS version 10.8 was used to construct the maps. RESULTS: Areas favorable to the crop plantation were classified as suitable when air temperature TAIR was between 20 and 29 °C, annual rainfall RANNUAL between 1200 and 1900 mm, and soil clay content CSOIL between 30 and 55%. Subsequently, the information was reclassified, summarizing the classes into preferential, recommended, little recommended, and not recommended. The current scenario shows a preferential class of 8.1%, recommended of 44.6%, little recommended of 47.1%, and not recommended of 0.1% for the Brazilian territory. CONCLUSION: The results show no drastic changes in the total area regarding the classes, but there is a migration from these zones; that is, from tropical to subtropical and temperate regions. RCP 8.5-2070 (2061-2080) showed trends with negative impacts on arable areas for banana cultivation at the end of the century. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antifungal effects of Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist essential oil against pathogenic Colletotrichum musae and its incorporation in gum Arabic coating to reduce anthracnose development in banana during storage.

AIM: This study evaluated the inhibitory effects on mycelial growth and damage on membrane integrity and enzymatic activity caused by Conyza bonariensis essential oil (CBEO) on distinct pathogenic Colletotrichum musae isolates, as well as the preventive and curative effects of coatings with gum Arabic (GA) and CBEO to reduce anthracnose development in banana during room temperature storage. The effects of GA-CBEO coatings on some physicochemical parameters of banana were investigated during room temperature storage. METHOD AND RESULTS: CBEO (0.4-1 µl ml-1 ) inhibited the mycelial growth of C. musae isolates in laboratory media. The exposure of C. musae conidia to CBEO (0.6 µl ml-1 ) for 3 and 5 days resulted in high percentages of conidia with damaged cytoplasmic membrane and without enzymatic activity. Coatings with GA (0.1 mg ml-1 ) and CBEO (0.4-1 µl ml-1 ) reduced the anthracnose development in banana artificially contaminated with C. musae during storage. In most cases, the disease severity indexes found for GA-CBEO-coated banana were lower than or similar to those for banana treated with commercial fungicide. GA-CBEO-coated banana had reduced alterations in physicochemical parameters during storage, indicating more prolonged storability. CONCLUSION: The application of GA-CBEO coatings is effective to delay the anthracnose development in banana during storage, which should help to reduce the amount of fungicides used to control postharvest diseases in this fruit. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study showing the efficacy of coatings formulated with GA and CBEO to delay the development of anthracnose in banana, as well as to decrease alterations in physicochemical parameters indicative of postharvest quality of this fruit during storage. In a practical point of view, GA-CBEO coatings could be innovative strategies to delay the anthracnose development and postharvest losses in banana.

Genetic Improvement for Resistance to Black Sigatoka in Bananas: A Systematic Review.

Bananas are an important staple food crop in tropical and subtropical regions in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South America. The plant is affected by numerous diseases, with the fungal leaf disease black Sigatoka, caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet [anamorph: Pseudocercospora fijiensis (Morelet) Deighton], considered one of the most economically important phytosanitary problem. Although the development of resistant cultivars is recognized as most effective method for long term control of the disease, the majority of today's cultivars are susceptible. In order to gain insights into this pathosystem, this first systematic literature review on the topic is presented. Utilizing six databases (PubMed Central, Web of Science, Google Academic, Springer, CAPES and Scopus Journals) searches were performed using pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. From a total of 3,070 published studies examined, 24 were relevant with regard to the Musa-P. fijiensis pathosystem. Relevant papers highlighted that resistant and susceptible cultivars clearly respond differently to infection by this pathogen. M. acuminata wild diploids such as Calcutta 4 and other diploid cultivars can harbor sources of resistance genes, serving as parentals for the generation of improved diploids and subsequent gene introgression in new cultivars. From the sequenced reference genome of Musa acuminata, although the function of many genes in the genome still require validation, on the basis of transcriptome, proteome and biochemical data, numerous candidate genes and molecules have been identified for further evaluation through genetic transformation and gene editing approaches. Genes identified in the resistance response have included those associated with jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling, transcription factors, phenylpropanoid pathways, antioxidants and pathogenesis-related proteins. Papers in this study also revealed gene-derived markers in Musa applicable for downstream application in marker assisted selection. The information gathered in this review furthers understanding of the immune response in Musa to the pathogen P. fijiensis and is relevant for genetic improvement programs for bananas and plantains for control of black Sigatoka.

Discrimination of soils managed with different sources of fertilization and plant species in organic and conventional farming through near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics.

BACKGROUND: The combination of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics can be used to group or discriminate soils based on spectral response. In this study, we conducted discrimination and classification analyses on soils managed with different sources of fertilization and plant species grown in organic and conventional farming systems. RESULTS: Principal component analysis explained 96% (PC1) and 3% (PC2) of the data variability and separated the soil samples of organic and conventional management systems. The wavenumbers that contributed most to the separation of the management systems were in the range of 3600 and 7300 cm-1 , especially the absorption peaks of 3700 and 4600 cm-1 (characteristic of CH and NH combinations), and 5200 and 7000 cm-1 (typical of OH combinations). Machine learning analysis using k-nearest neighbor and random forest algorithms was efficient in classifying soil samples according to management system with an accuracy of 97.8% and can therefore be used for future classification studies. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we strongly recommend the use of NIR spectroscopy associated with chemometrics for discriminating soils grown with Malus domestica, Musa spp., Oryza sativa and Solanum tuberosum L. under organic and conventional management systems through spectral response. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improvements in the Resistance of the Banana Species to Fusarium Wilt: A Systematic Review of Methods and Perspectives.

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), tropical race 4 (TR4), causes Fusarium wilt of banana, a pandemic that has threatened the cultivation and export trade of this fruit. This article presents the first systematic review of studies conducted in the last 10 years on the resistance of Musa spp. to Fusarium wilt. We evaluated articles deposited in different academic databases, using a standardized search string and predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We note that the information on the sequencing of the Musa sp. genome is certainly a source for obtaining resistant cultivars, mainly by evaluating the banana transcriptome data after infection with FOC. We also showed that there are sources of resistance to FOC race 1 (R1) and FOC TR4 in banana germplasms and that these data are the basis for obtaining resistant cultivars, although the published data are still scarce. In contrast, the transgenics approach has been adopted frequently. We propose harmonizing methods and protocols to facilitate the comparison of information obtained in different research centers and efforts based on global cooperation to cope with the disease. Thus, we offer here a contribution that may facilitate and direct research towards the production of banana resistant to FOC.

Agronomic performance of 'BRS Princesa' banana under fertigation and mulching / Desempenho agronômico da bananeira 'BRS Princesa' sob fertirrigação e cobertura morta

Banana is one of the most produced fruit crops in Brazil and has great economic, social and nutritional importance. Factors such as water availability and well-managed fertilization are fundamental to achieving profitable yields. The aim of this study was to examine the agronomic performance and water use efficiency of 'BRS Princesa' banana under combinations of irrigation systems, fertilization methods and mulching, during three production cycles. The experiment was laid out in a randomized-block design with four replicates. Treatments consisted of a combination of the localized irrigation system, fertilization strategy and mulching, as follows: Drip irrigation with manual fertilization; Micro-sprinkler irrigation with manual fertilization; Drip fertigation with mulch; Drip fertigation without mulch; Micro-sprinkler fertigation with mulch; and Microsprinkler fertigation without mulch. The plants were irrigated every three days, using three 4-L h-1 drippers per plant or a 64-L h-1 micro-sprinkler for every four plants. The following variables were analyzed: number of leaves, plant height, pseudostem circumference, number of hands, hand yield, water and nutrient (nitrogen and potassium) use efficiency and earliness. The micro-sprinkler system provided a greater pseudostem circumference without the presence of mulch. Plants under micro-sprinkler fertigation with mulching grew taller. The banana yield was higher when fertigation was used than with manual fertilization, regardless of the irrigation system. Plants grown in mulched soil were more productive than those grown in bare soil. The use of mulch increased water, nitrogen and potassium use efficiency when compared with cultivation in bare soil. Drip-irrigated plants showed earlier production than those irrigated with micro-sprinklers.(AU)

A bananeira é sendo uma das fruteiras mais produzidas no Brasil e possui grande importância econômica, social e alimentícia. Fatores como disponibilidade de água e adubação bem manejados são fundamentais para obtenção de produtividades rentáveis. Objetivou-se com este trabalho, avaliar o desempenho agronômico e a eficiência no uso da água da bananeira 'BRS Princesa' sob combinações de sistemas de irrigação, métodos de adubação e cobertura morta, durante três ciclos de produção. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na combinação do sistema de irrigação localizada, estratégia de adubação e uso de cobertura morta: a) Irrigação por gotejamento com adubação manual; b) Irrigação por microaspersão com adubação manual; c) Fertirrigação por gotejamento com cobertura morta; d) Fertirrigação por gotejamento sem cobertura morta; e) Fertirrigação por microaspersão com cobertura morta e f) Fertirrigação por microaspersão sem cobertura morta. As irrigações ocorreram a cada três dias, utilizando-se três gotejadores de 4 L h-1 por planta ou um microaspersor de 64 L h-1 para cada quatro plantas. As variáveis estudadas foram: número de folhas, altura da planta, perímetro do pseudocaule, número de pencas, produtividade, eficiência no uso da água e de nutrientes (nitrogênio e potássio) e precocidade. A microaspersão proporcionou maior circunferência do pseudocaule sem a presença da cobertura do solo. Plantas sob fertirrigação por microaspersão com cobertura do solo expressam maiores alturas. A produtividade da bananeira foi maior quando utilizada a fertirrigação em detrimento da adubação manual, independente do sistema de irrigação. As plantas cultivadas em solo coberto foram mais produtivas que aquelas cultivadas em solo descoberto. O uso da cobertura morta elevou a eficiência do uso da água, de nitrogênio e de potássio em relação ao cultivo em solo descoberto. As plantas irrigadas por gotejamento apresentaram produção mais precoce que irrigadas por microaspersão.(AU)

Effects of different banana crop residue hays on ensiling BRS capiaçu grass on fermentation profile, aerobic stability and nutritional value of silage / Efeitos de diferentes fenos de resíduo da bananicultura na ensilagem do capim-BRS capiaçu sobre o perfil de fermentativo, estabilidade aeróbia e valor nutricional da silagem

The objective of this study was to evaluate the BRS capiaçu grass silage combined with different hays of banana crop residue on fermentation profile, aerobic stability and nutritional value. The treatments consisted of elephant grass cv. BRS capiaçu (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) ensiled with 37.44% banana peel hay, 36.06% banana pseudostem hay and 37.00% banana leaf hay, on a dry matter (DM) basis and control silage (no additive). The experimental design used was completely randomized, with five treatments and five replicates. Forage was collected when it reached 3.5 meters in height (90 days). Experimental PVC silos of known weight, 50 cm long, 10 cm diameter, were used for silage making. For all treatments, silage aerobic stability breakdown started after 64 hours exposure to air. The BRS capiaçu grass control silage or silage combined with pseudostem hay (mean of 73.15 kg t GM-1) presented effluent losses 40.46% higher than those observed for BRS capiaçu grass silage + banana leaf hay and 69.17% in relation the BRS capiaçu grass silage + banana peel hay. The inclusion of banana crop residue (hay) when ensiling BRS capiaçu grass decreased 13.93% gas losses compared to the control silage (mean of 3.11% DM). Higher values of total digestible nutrients, metabolizable energy and digestible energy content was found in BRS capiaçu grass silage + with banana peel hay. The greater in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility was observed for BRS capiaçu grass silage combined with pseudostem hay. The inclusion of 37.44% banana peel hay improves the fermentation profile and aerobic stability of BRS capiaçu grass silage.(AU)

Ojetivou-se por meio desta pesquisa avaliar a silagem de capim-BRS capiaçu associada com diferentes fenos de resíduos da cultura da banana sobre o perfil fermentativo, estabilidade aeróbia e valor nutricional. Os tratamentos consistiram de capim-elefante cv. BRS capiaçu (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) ensilado com 37,44% de feno de casca de banana, 36,06% de feno de pseudocaule de banana e 37,00% de feno de folha de bananeira, à base da matéria seca (MS), e a silagem controle (sem aditivo). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. A forragem foi coletada quando atingiu 3,5 metros de altura (90 dias). Para a produção da silagem, foram utilizados silos experimentais de PVC de peso conhecido, com 50 cm de comprimento e 10 cm de diâmetro. Para todos os tratamentos, a quebra da estabilidade aeróbia da silagem iniciou a partir de 64 horas de exposição ao ar. A silagem de BRS capiaçu controle ou associada ao feno de pseudocaule (média de 73,15 kg t MN-1) apresentaram perdas de efluentes 40,46% maiores do que as observadas para a silagem de BRS capiaçu associada ao feno de folha de bananeira e 69,17% em relação à silagem de BRS capiaçu associada à casca de banana. A inclusão dos resíduos da cultura da banana (feno) na ensilagem do capim- BRS capiaçu diminuiu 13,93% as perdas por gases em comparação com a silagem controle (média de 3,11% da matéria seca - MS). Maiores teores de nutrientes totais digestíveis, energia metabolizável e energia digestível foram verificadas na silagem de BRS capiaçu associada à casca de banana. A maior digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro foi verificada na silagem de BRS capiaçu associada com feno de pseudocaule. A inclusão de 37,44% de feno de casca de banana melhora o perfil fermentativo e a estabilidade aeróbia da silagem de capim- BRS capiaçu.(AU)

Growth and production of 'Prata Anã Gorutuba' banana under different planting densities

Increased planting density, different types of thinning management, and the use of beneficial microorganisms have been adopted as strategic tools in the effort to increase crop yields in a sustainable manner. This investigation evaluated the growth and production of ‘Prata Anã Gorutuba banana ( Musa spp., AAB) under different plant densities during two production cycles in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Micropropagated plantlets were also inoculated with endophytic bacteria and cultivated as part of two mat management strategies. Planting density varied between 1,680 and 3,920 plant ha–1. During the experiment, water was less than optimal because of rationing due to drought in the region. Under field conditions, there was no difference between bacterially inoculated and non-inoculated plants. The dense planting system increased the crop cycle. The highest-density planting treatment (3,920 plant ha–1) resulted in the highest yield in the first cycle, but no net income was observed. However, the high-density planting treatments resulted in the highest yields and gross incomes in the second production cycle. Management with thinning of plants up to 10-months-old and thinning up to harvest associated with high planting density increased the length of the production cycles. Although the water restriction experienced in the first and second crop cycles, the vegetative and productive traits of ‘Prata Anã Gorutuba banana did not compromise the objectives of this study.(AU)

Potential nutrient-response curves and sufficiency ranges for ‘Prata-Anã banana cultivated under two environmental conditions

Proper plant nutrition is critical to increasing the yield of bananas. The objective was to establish the potential nutrient-response curves and sufficiency ranges using the boundary line approach (BLA) and the method proposed by Kenworthy (MK) to assess the nutritional status of ‘Prata-Anã bananas cultivated under two environmental conditions. The study was carried out using a database comprising leaf nutrient concentrations and banana yields grown at Missão Velha, Ceará, and Ponto Novo, Bahia, Brazil. The reference population consisted of high-yielding plants with yields greater than the mean yield plus 0.5 standard deviation. The database was divided into two datasets. One contained 253 leaf analysis results and a reference population with a mean yield greater than 39.81 t ha−1 yr−1 at Missão Velha. The other contained 147 samples and a reference population with a mean yield greater than 41.69 t ha−1 yr−1 at Ponto Novo. The sufficiency ranges obtained by the BLA for ‘Prata-Anã banana in Bahia and Ceará, respectively, are: a) for macronutrients (g kg−1): N (19.3-22.0) and (19.9-22.1); P (1.4-2.0) and (1.4-1.6); K (22.6-32.2) and (24.0-31.3); Ca (4.6-6.5) and (5.3-5.8); Mg (1.8-2.6) and (2.1-2.7); S (1.3-2.0) and (1.3-1.5); b) for micronutrients (mg kg−1): B (8.4-13.0) and (13.7-16.4); Cu (5.6-8.4) and (4.4-5.2); Fe (54.2-77.6) and (39.0-55.0); Mn (140.1-222.8) and (64.0-91.0); Zn (13.5-18.3) and (12.4-14.5). The sufficiency ranges obtained by the BLA are more assertive when assessing the nutritional status for ‘Prata-Anã banana.(AU)