Global banana crops face threat from TR4 strain of Fusarium oxysporum fungus, attacking Cavendish bananas.

Banana crops face a global threat from a fungus, Fusarium oxysporum, causing Fusarium wilt of bananas (FWB). The TR4 strain of this fungus, which attacks Cavendish bananas, has a different evolutionary origin and accessory genome compared to the strain that killed Gros Michel bananas in the past. The TR4 strain releases nitric oxide, a toxic gas, to disarm the plant's defense system and infect the plant. To combat the fungus, scientists suggest growing various banana varieties to reduce disease pressure on a single crop and developing or identifying banana varieties resistant to TR4. Collaboration among scientists, farmers, industry, and consumers worldwide is crucial to avoid future shortages of bananas and other crops.

8 months ago
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