Natural beneficial microorganisms can suppress Fusarium wilt of banana and have the potential for wider use in organic production systems

P. He, S. Li, H.C. Fan, B.M. Yang, Y.F. Wang, Y.P. Li, T.T. Bai, S.T. Xu, L.N. Liu, L. Zeng, S.J. Zheng
Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), especially Tropical Race 4 (TR4), seriously threatens banana production worldwide. Biological control of banana Fusarium wilt has, over the past decade, received increasing attention for its potential use in organic Musa production. We proposed a tritrophic biocontrol interaction relationship of bacteria-pathogens-bananas. Two biological control strains which were identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. subtillis showed strong antagonistic effect on TR4 and one of these could promote banana growth. Conventional PCR methods were used to detect the potential biocontrol genes including seven NRPS genes, four PKS genes and two RPS genes in Bacillus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative detection system was also performed to detect 12 biocontrol marker-genes in Bacillus that confer TR4 antagonism. Then, the colonization of biocontrol bacteria in banana roots was conducted based on a broad-spectrum alliable transformation system. Further fluorescent observation by laser scanning confocal microscopy showed these RFP-labelled bacteria exhibit chemotaxis towards green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelled TR4 hyphae in banana plants. In conclusion, this can provide a new theory for the interaction between the biocontrol bacteria, Foc TR4 and banana plants, and provides new ideas for the biological prevention at early stage in nursery and control of banana wilt for sustainable organic production.
He, P., Li, S., Fan, H.C., Yang, B.M., Wang, Y.F., Li, Y.P., Bai, T.T., Xu, S.T., Liu, L.N., Zeng, L. and Zheng, S.J. (2023). Natural beneficial microorganisms can suppress Fusarium wilt of banana and have the potential for wider use in organic production systems. Acta Hortic. 1367, 243-250
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1367.28
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1367.28
banana, biological control, TR4, tritrophic biocontrol interactions
English

Acta Horticulturae