1. Introduction
Bananas and plantains (
Musa spp.) are cultivated in over 150 tropical and subtropical countries, playing a crucial role in the economies of developing nations [
1].
Banana cultivation stands as a leading sector in global agricultural production, with India as the largest producer, followed by China, Indonesia, and Brazil [
1].
Fusarium wilt, caused by
Fusarium oxysporum form specialis f. sp.
cubense (Foc), stands out as a primary limitation to banana production, ranking among the top five diseases impacting the economic sector and fruit-producing regions [
2,
3].
Fusarium wilt is instigated by Foc, a soil-inhabiting fungus with the ability to colonize plants, induce their demise, and employ intricate pathways to suppress plant defenses [
4,
5].
Isolates of Foc pathogenic to bananas are categorized within the f. sp.
cubense, classified into three races based on their infectivity to different cultivars within the species [
3,
5]. Race 1 (R1) affects Gros Michel (AAA) and Manzano/Silk/Latundan (AAB) sub-groups; Race 2 (R2) targets cultivars susceptible to R1 and those of the Bluggoe subgroup. Race 4 (R4) impacts all cultivars in the Cavendish subgroup (AAA), and those susceptible to R1 and R2 [
4,
6,
7]. R4 has further subdivisions into tropical race 4 (TR4) and subtropical race 4 (ST4). TR4 affects Cavendish in both tropical and subtropical conditions, while Foc ST4 isolates cause disease in Cavendish cultivars in subtropical regions under specific conditions, such as temperature extremes or water deficit [
8,
9]. The ST4 and TR4 variants can be differentiated by their Vegetative compatibility group (VCGs). Among the 24 known Foc VCGs, VCGs 0120, 01201, 01202, 01209, 01210, 01211, 01215, and 0120/15 are associated with Foc ST4; for Foc TR4, only VCG 01213/16 has been identified [
6,
9].
Foc TR4 poses a significant threat to banana and plantain cultivation across various regions globally. Apart from its extensive presence in Asia, Africa, and Australia, it has also encroached upon cultivation areas in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela [
3,
10,
11]. The escalating concern regarding the damage inflicted on banana cultivation by this threat has redirected research efforts, prompting a worldwide search for new insights based on epidemiological, genetic, and management data. Notably, the absence of a cultivar with sufficient resistance to replace those of the Cavendish subgroup intensifies the urgency of such research [
3,
6,
12,
13].
Consequently, genetic improvement programs are actively exploring solutions to mitigate the impacts of
Fusarium wilt, along with addressing pest and abiotic stresses affecting banana crops [
14,
15]. Research institutions worldwide, including the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research (FHIA) in Honduras; the African Center for Research on Bananas and Plantains (CARBAP) in Cameroon; the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria and Uganda; the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) in Brazil; the National Banana Research Center (NCRB) in India; the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in Uganda; and the International Cooperation Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CIRAD) in France, are collaboratively working towards identifying resistant cultivars [
13].
In the exploration of Foc TR4, it was observed that the prevalence of resistant genotypes is linked to diploid genomes. These findings underscore that, currently, resistance sources to Foc TR4 mainly consist of wild or improved diploids, which have not yet been integrated into the development of commercial cultivars through hybridization, unlike Foc R1, benefiting from a broad array of available resistant cultivars [
13]. To enhance the genetic diversity of banana cultivars and achieve resistance to
Fusarium wilt, researchers globally have been amassing germplasm, including from wild relatives. Despite numerous evaluations conducted in both greenhouse and field conditions, the assessment of resistance to Foc TR4 across a large number of banana genotypes remains notably limited [
14,
16].
Embrapa employs improved diploids as male parents in crosses with commercial cultivars to develop hybrids. These diploids result from the crossing of different wild diploids, showcasing resistance to key diseases affecting banana cultivation, including yellow Sigatoka, black Sigatoka, and
Fusarium wilt. Additionally, they possess other agronomic characteristics of interest for breeding [
17]. Notably, the genealogy of some parents of Embrapa's improved diploids, such as Malaccensis, Tjau Lagada, Calcutta 4, and Tuu Gia, includes wild diploids resistant to Foc R1 and black Sigatoka [
18]. In Foc R4T research, the parents Calcutta 4 and Tuu Gia emerged as valuable resources for resistance genes, positioning them as promising options for banana breeding and the study of mechanisms resisting
Fusarium wilt [
5,
16,
19].
Given the pivotal role of improved diploids in the development of commercial banana hybrids, this study aimed to assess the behavior of 24 improved diploids. The evaluation involves symptomatology analyses post-inoculation with Foc R1 and ST4 in the greenhouse. Additionally, histochemical and histological evaluations were conducted to identify defense responses in the plant-pathogen interaction.
4. Discussion
In this study, we assessed 24 improved banana diploid hybrids for resistance to Foc R1 and ST4 in a greenhouse setting. The diploids were categorized as highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible, susceptible, and highly susceptible based on the mean values of rhizome discoloration index. Selected for further analysis were CNPMF0534 (highly resistant), M53 (resistant), 013018-01 (moderately resistant), and the cultivar Maçã - Silk type (highly susceptible) as a control. Among these, only the diploid hybrid CNPMF0534 exhibited resistance to both races, displaying no characteristic vascular bundle discoloration in the rhizome, with all nine plants scoring one.
By averaging the scores and calculating the standard deviation from 10 repetitions for the diploid response profiles to both races, we observed that 10 genotypes were grouped in the highly resistant category against Foc R1. In contrast, only three were grouped in this category when evaluated against Foc ST4 (
Figure 1 and
Figure 2). Notably, differences between categories emerged, as two diploids were classified in the interaction with Foc ST4, whereas none received this classification in the interaction with Foc R1.
These findings are linked to the known virulence and aggressiveness of ST4 isolates in environmental conditions featuring temperature extremes, such as intense cold prevalent in certain regions of Brazil [
8,
27]. The data underscore the importance of using appropriate Foc isolates and methods that exert the necessary selection pressure to draw accurate conclusions about resistance, both in the greenhouse and subsequently in the field, as practiced in other studies [
5,
16,
28].
In a cluster and correlation analysis, utilizing estimated Foc R1 and Foc ST4 IDs, we demonstrated that hybrids are classified in the same categories for both races. There is a positive correlation between evaluations of Foc R1 and ST4 IDs, as well as the average of both (
Figure 3B). To our knowledge, this is the first report correlating resistance profiles to Foc R1 and ST4 based on disease index estimates. These data reinforce the accuracy of the selection method adopted by the Embrapa breeding program in Brazil for over twenty years and suggest that all plant materials that have been selected and indicated as resistant to Foc R1 over these years may also be resistant to Foc ST4 and possibly to Foc TR4, such as the hybrids BRS Platina (Prata type, AAAB) and BRS Princesa (Silk type, AAAB), already widespread in the Brazilian market.
Previous studies by Gonçalves et al. [
18] described the resistance capacity of improved diploids developed by Embrapa to Foc R1 under field conditions. The diploids CNPMF 1323, CNPMF 0612, CNPMF 0534, CNPMF 0998, CNPMF 0731, and CNPMF 0542 exhibited resistance to Foc R1, aligning with the results of the present work. These improved diploids have parents such as Calcutta 4, M53, Malaccensis, Tjau Lagada, M61, and Tuu Gia, all confirmed to be resistant to R1 and ST4 [
16,
18,
19,
29].
From our histological analyses, we have observed no distinction between highly resistant and susceptible genotypes concerning the presence of Foc R1 within tissues post-bleaching and staining with Trypan blue. This reaffirms that penetration occurs in both cases, suggesting that defense strategies distinguishing resistant from susceptible genotypes manifest after the penetration process. This aligns with findings by Li et al [
30], Rocha et al [
7] Rocha et al [
27]; and Ferreira et al [
15]. Conversely, in the interaction with Foc ST4, a notable difference was observed in the CNPMF 0534 diploid. This diploid, considered highly resistant, did not exhibit pathogen structures inside the tissue, possibly associated with the absence of penetration or advancement in colonization. SEM analysis confirms this observation, revealing only calcium oxalate crystals inside the tissue, and the spores were still in the process of germination, indicating a delay in infection (Figure 8.A1, A3).
These findings parallel those obtained in a study of genotypic interaction with Foc ST4, aiming to select and evaluate resistant banana somaclones. The absence of pathogen structures in root tissues suggests that resistant somaclones may have developed physical and/or chemical barriers to impede pathogen penetration [
15,
31].
In SEM analyses, we consistently observed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, with quantity and distribution in the tissue seemingly associated with genotypes classified as resistant. While specific data on the direct influence of these crystals on resistance are lacking, studies have documented their varied forms and functions across more than 215 plant families. Other research suggests that these crystals play a crucial role, as their degradation can produce reactive oxygen species linked to the response to pathogen infection and the inhibition of such infections [
32,
33].
Our results align with previous findings indicating abundant calcium oxalate crystals in the cultivar BRS Platina, a tetraploid banana hybrid of the Prata subgroup, inoculated with Foc ST4. These crystals may play vital roles in resistance [
27]. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of conducting additional studies to investigate the role of calcium oxalate crystals not only in the resistance of banana genotypes to
Fusarium wilt but also their role and differences in wild diploid genotypes. These wild diploids form the basis for genetic improvement and are the primary source of genetic variability in
Musa spp.
In the histochemical analyses, evaluating plants' response to fungal attack through the production of chemical compounds, callose was assessed. All genotypes exhibited fluorescence, indicating the presence of this compound. However, in the diploid CNPMF 0534, identified as highly resistant, notably high levels of fluorescence were observed, suggesting a potential increase in production during interactions with both Foc R1 and Foc ST4 (
Figure 5). This could be linked to the fact that callose deposition is induced by various factors, particularly biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pathogen attacks, exposure to heavy metals, and wounds [
34]. The formation of callose, gels, and tyloses in infested vessels has been reported in resistant banana plants as a mechanism to immobilize spores, preventing their invasion during the pathogen-host interaction [
35,
36].
The improved diploids M53, 013004-04, 013018-01, 013018-02, 013019-01, CNPMF0542, CNPMF0612, and CNPMF1323 result from crosses with wild diploids like Malaccensis, Pahang, Calcutta-4, Pisang Lilin, and Tuu Gia, which are part of their genealogy. These diploids have been previously reported for their resistance to Foc TR4 [
13]. The Malaccensis diploid stands out as a promising candidate for crosses with elite cultivars to transfer resistance alleles to Foc, given its relevant breeding characteristics. The resistance of this diploid can be further explored by isolating a resistance gene (R) of the putative nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat type from
Musa acuminata ssp. Malaccensis, which has been utilized in transgenic experiments [
37,
38].
Besides the Malaccensis diploid, 10 genotypes, including four wild diploids (Jaran, Birmanie, Pipit) and a tetraploid hybrid of the Silk type developed by Embrapa named BRS Princesa (from the cross between Yangambi Nº2 - AAB, and the M53 diploid - AA), were classified as resistant to
Fusarium wilt. The Pahang diploid, extensively studied, has demonstrated resistance to Foc TR4 in both greenhouse and field experiments [
16,
39,
40] In a study by Zuo et al [
16] 129 accessions from the germplasm bank were evaluated for resistance to Foc TR4 in both greenhouse and field conditions, identifying DH Phang, Tuu Gia, Calcutta 4, and Borneo as highly resistant. These genotypes also contribute to the genealogy of some improved diploids assessed in this study, such as 013019-01, CNPMF 0557, CNPMF 0496, and CNPMF 0731, all characterized as resistant to both Foc R1 and ST4. Based on the genealogy of the diploids under study, a potential resistance to TR4 in these hybrids can be hypothesized, warranting confirmation under natural or artificially induced pathogen infestation conditions.
The comprehensive analyses conducted in this study suggest that the resistance observed, particularly to Foc ST4, in some of the evaluated improved diploids may be inherited from their parent genotypes. Notably, diploids CNPMF 0534 and CNPMF 0536, classified as highly resistant to Foc ST4, have Calcutta 4 in their genealogy, while those grouped as resistant have Malaccensis and Tuu Gia. These wild relatives of edible bananas are recognized as valuable sources of resistance genes to Foc TR4 [
13,
16,
30]. Furthermore, diploid hybrids 001016-01, CNPMF 0534, and CNPMF 0536, displaying total resistance to black Sigatoka, hold potential for crosses with susceptible commercial cultivars to transfer resistance alleles to commercial germplasm [
18]. The diploid M53, used as a parent in crosses for generating commercially relevant cultivars, has been identified as resistant to Foc R1 [
18,
29], with previous reports confirming its resistance to Foc TR4 in a heavily infested field in Australia [
42].
Consequently, the results discussed herein can significantly contribute to banana breeding programs. The improved diploids identified as resistant have the potential for use in crosses with commercial cultivars, particularly 001016-01, CNPMF 0534, and CNPMF 0536, exhibiting high resistance to Foc ST4, and 013004-04, M53, 050012-02, SH3263, SH3362, 013019-01, CNPMF 0496, CNPMF 0513, and CNPMF 0534, displaying high resistance to Foc R1. Moreover, the diploid hybrids evaluated as resistant or moderately resistant for both races, with low Fusarium wilt symptom scores, can be considered quantitatively resistant. These hybrids are valuable for transferring genes with minor effects, easily selectable, and efficient in cultivation systems based on integrated management.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, W.S.S., A.d.J.R. and E.P.A.; methodology, W.S.S., A.d.J.R., V.B.d.O.A., A.P.d.S.R and E.P.A.; software, W.S.S., A.d.J.R.; validation, W.S.S., A.d.I.R., V.B.d.O.A., W.B.d.S.; and E.P.A.; formal analysis, A.d.J.R.; investigation, W.S.S., A.d.J.R., F.H., E.P.A.; resources, E.P.A.; data curation, W.S.S., A.d.J.R., and V.B.d.O.A.; writing—original draft preparation, W.S.S., A.d.J.R., E.P.A.; writing—review and editing, W.S.S., A.d.J.R.,A.P.d.S.R., V.B.d.O.A., E.P.A.; visualization, W.S.S, A.d.J.R., V.B.d.O.A., A.P.d.S.R., W.B.d.S., F.H and E.P.A.; supervision, E.P.A.; project administration, E.P.A.; funding acquisition, E.P.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Figure 1.
Response of different improved banana diploids to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 in a greenhouse, based on the grading scale proposed by Dita et al. (2019). The data are presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation) of three replicates. HR, highly resistant; R, resistant; MR, moderately resistant; MS moderately susceptible; S susceptible; HS highly susceptible.
Figure 1.
Response of different improved banana diploids to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 in a greenhouse, based on the grading scale proposed by Dita et al. (2019). The data are presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation) of three replicates. HR, highly resistant; R, resistant; MR, moderately resistant; MS moderately susceptible; S susceptible; HS highly susceptible.
Figure 2.
Response of various improved banana diploids to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense subtropical race 4 in the greenhouse, assessed using the grading scale proposed by Dita et al. (2019). The data are presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation) of three replicates. HR, highly resistant; R, resistant; MR, moderately resistant; MS moderately susceptible; S susceptible; HS, highly susceptible.
Figure 2.
Response of various improved banana diploids to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense subtropical race 4 in the greenhouse, assessed using the grading scale proposed by Dita et al. (2019). The data are presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation) of three replicates. HR, highly resistant; R, resistant; MR, moderately resistant; MS moderately susceptible; S susceptible; HS, highly susceptible.
Figure 3.
Cluster analysis depicting the behavior of banana diploids to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense races 1 and subtropical 4 in a greenhouse (a). Pearson correlation analysis between internal symptom indices of Foc race 1 (R1), Foc subtropical 4 (ST4), and race averages (mean) (b).
Figure 3.
Cluster analysis depicting the behavior of banana diploids to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense races 1 and subtropical 4 in a greenhouse (a). Pearson correlation analysis between internal symptom indices of Foc race 1 (R1), Foc subtropical 4 (ST4), and race averages (mean) (b).
Figure 4.
Whitening and staining of fungal structures with Trypan blue dye in roots of improved banana diploids after infection by different isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, 90 days after inoculation. Black arrows indicate Hy and SP. SP, spores; Hy, hyphae; Foc, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense; R1, race 1; ST4, subtropical race 4.
Figure 4.
Whitening and staining of fungal structures with Trypan blue dye in roots of improved banana diploids after infection by different isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, 90 days after inoculation. Black arrows indicate Hy and SP. SP, spores; Hy, hyphae; Foc, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense; R1, race 1; ST4, subtropical race 4.
Figure 5.
Transverse section of the rhizome of improved banana diploids in fluorescence micrographs and of the cultivar Maçã (Silk type) infested by two races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense 90 days after inoculation and stained with aniline blue to detect callose. White-blue fluorescence indicates the presence of callose in the tissues. Yellow arrows indicate the production of callose. Foc, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense; R1, race 1; ST4, subtropical race 4.
Figure 5.
Transverse section of the rhizome of improved banana diploids in fluorescence micrographs and of the cultivar Maçã (Silk type) infested by two races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense 90 days after inoculation and stained with aniline blue to detect callose. White-blue fluorescence indicates the presence of callose in the tissues. Yellow arrows indicate the production of callose. Foc, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense; R1, race 1; ST4, subtropical race 4.
Figure 6.
Longitudinal and transverse sections of root sections of improved banana diploids infested by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 (R1). H, hyphae; COC, calcium oxalate crystals; MY, mycelium; SP, spores, GUMS, gums, OCV, vessel occlusion.
Figure 6.
Longitudinal and transverse sections of root sections of improved banana diploids infested by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 (R1). H, hyphae; COC, calcium oxalate crystals; MY, mycelium; SP, spores, GUMS, gums, OCV, vessel occlusion.
Figure 7.
Longitudinal and transverse sections of root sections of improved banana diploids infested by isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense 90 DAP after inoculation (IRAS). Foc, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense; ST4, subtropical race 4; H, hyphae; COC, calcium oxalate crystals; MY, mycelium; SP, spores; TY, tyloses, OCV, vessel occlusion.
Figure 7.
Longitudinal and transverse sections of root sections of improved banana diploids infested by isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense 90 DAP after inoculation (IRAS). Foc, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense; ST4, subtropical race 4; H, hyphae; COC, calcium oxalate crystals; MY, mycelium; SP, spores; TY, tyloses, OCV, vessel occlusion.
Table 1.
Evaluation of improved banana diploids and selection of resistance sources.
Table 1.
Evaluation of improved banana diploids and selection of resistance sources.
Genotype |
Genealogy |
M53 |
[(Malaccensis – Kedah x Banksii- Samoa)] x [(Paka x Banksii - Samoa)] |
001016-01 |
Borneo x Guyod |
013004-04 |
Malaccensis x Madang |
013018-01 |
Malaccensis x Sinwobogi |
013018-02 |
Malaccensis x Sinwobogi |
042085-02 |
M53 x [(Madu x Calcutta 4)] |
050012-02 |
M61 x Lidi |
058054-03 |
[(Calcutta 4 x Pahang)] x [(Borneo x Madang)] |
086094-20 |
[(Calcutta 4 x Galeo)] x SH3263 |
SH3263 |
- |
SH3362 |
- |
013019-01 |
Malaccensis x Tjau Lagada |
CNPMF 0557 |
[(M61 x Pisang Lilin)] x [(Malaccensis x Tjau Lagada)] |
CNPMF 0496 |
[(M61 x Pisang Lilin)] x [(Terrinha x Calcutta 4)] |
CNPMF 0536 |
[(Calcutta 4 x Madang)] x [(Borneo x Guyod)] |
CNPMF 0542 |
[(SH3263)] x [(Malaccensis x Sinwobogi)] |
CNPMF 0612 |
[(M53 x Madu) x Madu)] x SH3263 |
CNPMF 0731 |
[(Malaccensis x Madang)] x [(Tuu Gia x Calcutta 4)] |
CNPMF 0998 |
[(Borneo x Guyod)] x [(Borneo x Guyod) x SH3263] |
CNPMF 1323 |
[(Malaccensis x Sinwobogi)] x [(Calcutta 4 x Heva)] |
CNPMF 0513 |
[(M61 x Pisang Lilin)] x [(M53 x Kumburgh) |
CNPMF 0519 |
Self-fertilization (wild diploid Tambi) |
CNPMF 0534 |
[(Calcutta 4 x Madang)] x [(Borneo x Guyod)] |
CNPMF 0993 |
[(Borneo x Guyod) x (Tuu Gia x Calcutta 4)] x [(Khai x (Calcutta 4 x Madang)] |
Silk/Maçã |
- |