Fusariosis in Pineapple

Fusariosis in Pineapple Latest News

Indian researchers have identified a key gene in pineapple that may offer a strong, local solution against destructive fungal infection Fusariosis.

About Fusariosis in Pineapple

• Fusariosis is caused by the aggressive fungus Fusarium moniliforme and one of the biggest threats to pineapple farming.
• The fungus warps the plant’s stem, blackens the leaves and rots the fruit from the inside out. For farmers, this means heavy losses and unreliable harvests.

‹ ›

 Highlights of the Research

• For years, traditional breeding techniques have struggled to keep up with the fast-evolving onslaught of such fungal foes.
• Scientists have identified the gene behind Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (SERK) that can activate host defences against plant diseases.
• Focusing on the AcSERK3 gene, part of the pineapple’s genetic code, known for helping plants both reproduce and survive stress, enhanced—or “overexpressed” the gene in pineapple plants.
• This genetic tweak charged the plant’s natural defences, allowing it to fight off the Fusarium fungus far more effectively than ordinary varieties.

Key Facts about Pineapple

• The pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) is the most economically significant fruit of the Bromeliaceae family.
• Required climatic conditions:
  • It is mostly grown at low elevations in areas with a temperature range of 15 to 30ºC.
  • It is tolerant to drought because of the special water storage cells.
  • Rain: It can be grown with a wide range of rainfall from 600-2500 mm/ annum, the optimum being 1000-1500 mm.
  • Soil: It can be grown in a wide range of soils, but does not tolerate water logging.
  • It can be grown as a pure crop on plantation scale or as an intercrop in coconut gardens.
  • Major Pineapple producing states: The states where pineapple is grown include Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa. 
  • Countries like Thailand, Philippines, Brazil, China, Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia and the USA produce pineapple.

Source:  PIB