[BKYST] Application of endophytes to prevent Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense causing Panama wilt disease on Cavendish banana

Abstract

The endophytic community, living within host plants, is essential for promoting growth and enhancing disease resistance in plants. These endophytes establish a symbiotic relationship with their host plants, providing various benefits such as nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and protection against pathogens. Their presence highlights the intricate and fascinating interactions that occur within the plant kingdom, ultimately contributing to the overall health and vitality of the ecosystem. However, modern agricultural practices such as breeding and the use of chemical fertilizers have led to a weakening and loss of these important microorganisms. So, there is a need to reconsider our approach to farming in order to preserve and harness the benefits of endogenous microflora for sustainable and healthy plant growth.

Banana is one of the important crops in Vietnam and globally due to its high economic value. The banana growing industry is profitable, but it also encounters numerous disease risk factors. One of the most severe threats is the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, which causes wilted Panama disease and has devastated banana cultivation areas worldwide. It is fact that naturally grown banana plants with a healthy endophytic interaction are less susceptible to Panama disease fungi. This highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced and diverse plant-endophytic interaction in the soil to protect banana crops from diseases. Panama disease strain F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 is known to specifically target Cavendish banana varieties produced by tissue culture. Various studies worldwide have shown that endophytic community associated within plant can inhibit the growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. Introducing these natural indigenous endophytes into large-scale cultivated banana plants aligns with the plant's natural physiology and can enhance the plant's resistance to diseases. This method promises a sustainable and environmental approach to mitigating the impact of Panama disease on banana crops.