Sequencing of fungal disease genomes may help prevent banana armageddon

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, and in the Netherlands have discovered how a group of three closely related fungal pathogens have evolved into a lethal threat to the world's bananas, whilst an international consortium led by scientists from Wageningen UR (University & Research Centre) has unravelled the DNA of the fungus that causes black Sigatoka disease in bananas. 

The findings provide leads for increasing the sustainability of banana cultivation, for instance through the development of a resistant banana plant.

The Sigatoka disease complex is a cluster of three closely related fungi—yellow sigatoka (Pseudocercospora musae), eumusae leaf spot (Pseudocercospora eumusae) and black sigatoka (Pseudocercospora fijiensis)—which emerged in quick succession during the last century as destructive pathogens on banana.

Gert Kema, Professor in Tropical Phytopathology at Wageningen University and banana expert explains: "Black Sigatoka has a huge social, ecological and economic impact worldwide.

Thanks to the sequencing of the DNA of the Pseudocercospora fungus we are now gaining a greater insight into the interaction between the fungus and the banana plant. This provides us with leads for increasing the sustainability of banana cultivation, making it better for the environment, the local population and the economy.“