Identification of disease suppressive banana plant and soil microbiomes

Plant-associated microorganisms are known to strongly influence host fitness but are poorly characterised for bananas and the soils used for their production. We have characterised the microbiomes of: 1) 17 soil types representing c. 70% of the main banana production area of Australia; 2) 55 banana genotypes; and 3) multiple plant compartments using high throughput phylogenetic marker gene sequencing. In addition, we have ranked the suppressiveness of multiple soil types to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) and used a novel bait trapping technique to identify microorganisms that are attracted to compounds released by the pathogen. Consequently, we have identified a range of microorganisms that are associated with susceptibility and resistance to the disease. These findings will assist other projects that aim to identify on-farm management practices that encourage the establishment of Fusarium wilt suppressive banana plant and soil microbiomes under field conditions.

Phytopathology

Phytopathology

108

1943-7684

N/A

10

1