Bring Forward Biological Controls for Devastating Panama Disease of Banana

The Panama disease of bananas caused by Foc TR4 threatens the global production of bananas. In this project, we will explore soil bacteria to develop biocontrol methods to mitigate the Panama disease. Foc is resistant to most chemical fungicides and its control is currently limited to low efficient phytosanitary measures. Soil bacteria constantly interact with plants and fungi to thrive. Many bacteria species colonize plant roots to form mutually beneficial relationships. We have been exploring soil bacteria from Central American banana fields.

The project’s objectives include: 1). Testing bacterial activity in repressing Foc TR4 in vitro and in soil with banana plants. 2). Identifying bacterial species, including genome sequencing. 3) Studying the molecular basis of the activity by biochemical studies and RNAseq. 4) Developing delivery methodologies of the bacteria to the fields; and 5) Field trials of the methods in Central American countries through collaboration.