Translating the “Banana Genome” to Delineate Stress Resistance, Dwarfing, Parthenocarpy and Mechanisms of Fruit Ripening

Abstract

Evolutionary frozen, genetically sterile and globally iconic fruit “Banana” remained untouched by the green revolution and, as of today, researchers face intrinsic impediments for its varietal improvement. Recently, this wonder crop entered the genomics era with decoding of structural genome of double haploid Pahang (AA genome constitution) genotype of Musa acuminata. Its complex genome decoded by hybrid sequencing strategies revealed panoply of genes and transcription factors involved in the process of sucrose conversion that imparts sweetness to its fruit. Historically, banana has faced the wrath of pandemic bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases and multitude of abiotic stresses that has ruined the livelihood of small/marginal farmers’ and destroyed commercial plantations. Decoding structural genome of this climacteric fruit has given impetus to a deeper understanding of the repertoire of genes involved in disease resistance, understanding the mechanism of dwarfing to develop an ideal plant type, unraveling the process of parthenocarpy, and fruit ripening for better fruit quality. Further, injunction of comparative genomics will usher in integration of information from its decoded genome and other monocots into field applications in banana related but not limited to yield enhancement, food security, livelihood assurance, and energy sustainability. In this mini review, we discuss pre- and post-genomic discoveries and highlight accomplishments in structural genomics, genetic engineering and forward genetic accomplishments with an aim to target genes and transcription factors for translational research in banana.

Origin and evolution of group XI secretory phospholipase A2 from flax (Linum usitatissimum) based on phylogenetic analysis of conserved domains

“…Recently, genomic information about flax (Dash et al 2014(Dash et al , 2015Wang et al 2012) other field and plantation crops (Dash and Rai 2016) has accumulated in the literature, but role of phospholipases and their evolution has not been investigated. Thus, our work focuses on understanding the origin and evolution of secretory phospholipase A 2 in flax and their conservation among plant PLA 2 superfamily.…”

Application and future perspective of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in fruit crops

“…It is also the fourth largest food crop in the world (Perrier et al ). Traditional breeding is difficult due to its triploid genome and sterility (Dash et al ). Genetic engineering is perhaps the only way to improve this important staple food and fruit.…”

Cucumber mosaic virus-induced gene silencing in banana

“…The availability of genomic and transcriptomic data have provided the basis for reverse genetic studies 5–9,13,20–22 . Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has been used extensively as a tool for reverse genetic study in a wide range of plant species to characterize gene functions or for high throughput phenotypic screening of genes 23–34 .…”