Recent research led by Utrecht University and Wageningen University & Research, with contributions from six KeyGene scientists, has unveiled significant findings on the genomic diversity and evolution of the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which causes Fusarium Wilt in bananas. This study, published in New Phytologist, highlights the role of large-scale DNA duplications in parts of the fungus's genome responsible for its virulence, offering critical insights for banana breeding initiatives aimed at combating the Fusarium TR4 variant.
The research underscores the importance of understanding microbial evolution and genetic changes to develop resistant banana varieties. The international team's analysis of 69 Fusarium oxysporum strains provides a comprehensive view of the pathogen's genetic diversity, crucial for breeding efforts against the TR4 strain that threatens global banana production.
KeyGene's banana breeding team in the Netherlands is leveraging these insights to develop varieties resistant to TR4 Fusarium Wilt and Black Sigatoka. "By comparing different Fusarium genomes, we saw that genomic regions associated with virulence are surprisingly diverse among Fusarium isolates that can infect banana. This knowledge is essential to guide efforts into resistance breeding in the future," stated Anouk van Westerhoven, first author of the paper, from the University of Utrecht & Wageningen University & Research.
Source: keygene.com