DOCSLIB.ORG

Assessment of Banana Streak MY Virus-Based Infectious Clone Vectors in Musa Ssp. by Mary Nyambeki Onsarigo B. Ed. (Science)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Assessment of Banana Streak MY Virus-Based Infectious Clone Vectors in Musa Ssp. by Mary Nyambeki Onsarigo B. Ed. (Science) Assessment of banana streak MY virus-based infectious clone vectors in Musa ssp. by Mary Nyambeki Onsarigo B. Ed. (Science) 1996 M. Sc. (Agricultural Biotechnology) 2008 M. Sc. (Bioinformatics) 2010 Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities Science and Engineering Faculty A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Queensland University of Technology 2017 Keywords Genotype, GFP, endogenous virus sequences, resistance © 2017 Mary Onsarigo Page i Abstract Banana streak disease, caused by a complex of different banana streak viruses (BSVs), occurs in all banana-producing countries. BSVs are genetically very diverse and can exist both as episomal forms or integrated into the host genome and both can be infectious to banana. Several field studies have assessed the infectivity of one or more BSV species on different banana genotypes with significant differences reported in virus incidence and symptom expression between and within genotypes. These studies used a severity index, based on symptom expression, to determine the resistance/susceptibility levels of the genotypes. Because of the great genetic variability amongst BSV species, symptoms of banana streak disease may vary widely and may be influenced by the cultivar and/or environmental conditions. Also this system of screening does not reflect the level of viral DNA accumulation (i.e. the viral load) within infected plants. Furthermore, there are no reports on the level of BSV DNA accumulation in different banana cultivars or Musa sp. Researchers at QUT had previously developed an infectious clone of one BSV species, Banana streak MY virus (BSMYV). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the infectivity of the BSMYV infectious clone in a broad range of Musa genotypes and cultivars. Further to this, several modified infectious clones were assessed for their infectivity, and ability to either express a heterologous green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene, or to illicit gene silencing. This PhD study addressed the use of an infectious clone of BSMYV (BSMYV-IC) to accurately screen diverse banana genotypes for resistance to BSV. A total of 24 banana accessions comprising of six different genomic groups (AAA, AA, BB, AAB, ABB, AT) were propagated and indexed for any episomal infection, or activation of endogenous BSMYV (eBSMYV) with all plants testing negative. Plants of all accessions were mechanically inoculated with the BSMYV-IC and monitored for development of disease symptoms for a period of 6 to 12 months. Banana streak disease infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rolling-circle amplification (RCA) for A-only or B-genome bananas, respectively. Accumulation of BSMYV DNA in the different banana genotypes was quantified using quantitative PCR (qPCR) starting from the initial leaf with symptoms to the termination of the experiment. Also, a series of ten modified BSMYV infectious clones were evaluated for infectivity, expression and silencing ability in banana plants. © 2017 Mary Onsarigo Page ii Virus indexing of all plants of different banana accessions by PCR and RCA using BSYMV- specific primers confirmed that all propagated plants were free of virus infection. Following inoculation of plants with BSYMV, 22 out of the 24 accessions assessed were susceptible to BSYMV based on symptom expression and molecular diagnosis using either PCR or RCA. The susceptible accessions comprised of the AAA, AA, AAB, ABB and AT genome types. Interestingly, only two diploid BB accessions M. balbisiana and Butuhan did not express BSMYV symptoms and tested negative for infection by RCA. The BSMYV-IC was shown to be highly infectious, with up to 100% infectivity in the 22 Musa accessions confirmed to be infected. The effect of virus infection on growth was evaluated based on plant height and the rate of leaf emergence. There was a significant reduction in plant height in 8 accessions including Akondro Mainty (AA), Ma. ssp. zebrina (AA), Pahang (AA), Yesing (AAB), Pacific Plantain (AAB), Ma. ssp. banksii (AA), Calcutta 4 (AA) and Pisang Bangkahulu (AA), and rapid death of plants in accession Asupina (AT). There was no significant difference in the rate of leaf emergence between infected and non-infected plants in all the accessions tested In the current study, symptom variability was considerable with different Musa genotypes expressing distinct symptoms. Quantification of the levels of virus DNA showed that virus accumulation differs between genotypes, but also within plants of the same accession, and that severity scores do not correlate well with the viral load as measured using qPCR. Modified vectors with either ORF1 or ORF2 deleted were not infectious and the addition of a GFP ORF into two sites in the genome did not result in expression of this heterologous sequence from the constructs used in this study. Interestingly, two constructs with small inserts, initially designed for the purpose of gene silencing, were found to retain infectivity and maintain a heterologous sequence up to 110 nt. These studies confirm that BSMYV is infective in a broad range of Musa genotypes and cultivars but that further work is required to develop suitable vectors for either gene expression or gene silencing studies in banana © 2017 Mary Onsarigo Page iii Table of Contents Keywords .................................................................................................................................................. i Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... ii Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................ vii List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................... x List of Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................. xi Statement of Original Authorship ......................................................................................................... xv Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................ xvi 1 CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Significance of banana ................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Banana taxonomy ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 Banana hybridisation and diversity ............................................................................................. 2 1.1 Status of the wild diploid banana ................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Edible diploid (AA) and triploid (AAA) banana ................................................................................ 6 1.3 Intraspecific classification of banana and plantains ........................................................................ 6 1.4 Constraints to banana production ............................................................................................... 7 1.5 Plant DNA viruses ........................................................................................................................ 8 1.6 Badnaviruses ................................................................................................................................ 9 1.7 Banana streak viruses .................................................................................................................. 9 1.7.1 Transmission of BSV ....................................................................................................... 10 1.7.2 Endogenous BSV sequences in the host genome ........................................................... 12 1.7.3 BSV diagnostic tests ........................................................................................................ 13 1.7.4 Screening of banana genotypes for BSV resistance ....................................................... 14 1.7.5 Banana streak disease and effects on Musa .................................................................. 15 1.7.6 Expression of BSV symptoms by different banana genotypes ....................................... 16 1.8 Plant-viral interaction outcomes ............................................................................................... 17 1.8.1 Susceptibility .................................................................................................................. 21 1.8.2 Tolerance ........................................................................................................................ 21 1.8.3 Resistance ....................................................................................................................... 21 1.1 RNA silencing as an antiviral defence mechanism by plants ..................................................... 22 1.2 Infectious clones of plant viruses .............................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Yael Laks, Tehila Rothbort. Mentor
    Very ApPEELing DNA: DNA Barcodes of Different Types of Bananas Authors: 1Yael Laks, 1Tehila Rothbort. Mentor: 1Shulamith Biderman, 1Ruth Fried 1 Yeshiva University High School for Girls. Funded by the Thompson Family Foundation Abstract: Materials and Methods: Tables and Figures: Discussion: We researched three types of Bananas from the genus Musa. To perform our experiment we bought cavendish bananas, From the results of BLASTN the banana sequences were The goal of our project was to find the differences and lady finger bananas and plantains in a store close to our analyzed. The Cavendish bananas and plantains had identical similarities in the chloroplast DNA of a cavendish banana, school. The cavendish bananas will act as the control matches, meaning they are very closely related. We expected lady finger banana and plantain. Our hypothesis is that the group in our experiment. The lady finger bananas and the these two organisms to be closely related because the top different types of bananas will have many genetic similarities plantains will be the experimental groups. We brought matches had some sort of connection to bananas. Although, because they fall under the same genus, grow in the same them to Yeshiva University High School for Girls and kept we were also expecting lady finger bananas to be as closely way, and have similar peel structures.We predicted there will them there until we started our project. We started related as the others the closest matches were tomatoes and be differences among these species because they differ in isolating the DNA from the plant by collecting seeds from eggplants, which is very unexpected.
    [Show full text]
  • Silicon in Banana Plants: Uptake, Distribution and Interaction with the Disease
    Silicon in banana plants: uptake, distribution and interaction with the disease fusarium wilt Kevan Walter Jones Bachelor of Science: Plant Science A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2013 School of Agriculture & Food Sciences Abstract Banana cultivation worldwide is under threat from a wide variety of pathogens and negative environmental factors. Most cultivated banana plants are vegetatively propagated, resulting in a dearth of breeding and a genetic bottleneck. This has led to enhanced susceptibility to a number of lethal plant diseases. Novel solutions are being pursued to enhance the innate defences of the banana plant in an effort to combat these diseases. Of all current banana diseases, Fusarium wilt poses the greatest overall threat. Fusarium wilt, sometimes known as Panama disease, is caused by the soilborne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). A complex grouping of polyphyletic fungal strains, collectively referred to as races, is responsible for causing disease in banana. Race 1 of Foc caused the collapse of the global ‘Gros Michel’ trade industry in the mid-20th century. The industry recovered by substituting ‘Cavendish’ cultivars for ‘Gros Michel’, but a new race (race 4) is now threatening ‘Cavendish’ production. Breeding and transgenics programmes for developing Foc resistant banana cultivars are in progress, but advancement is slow and durable resistance cannot be guaranteed. In the interim, innovative control strategies for Foc are being sought. These strategies involve the development of new cultural controls or soil amendments and are intended to inhibit fungal inoculum in the soil or to upregulate innate plant defences.
    [Show full text]
  • New and Alternative Banana Varieties Designed to Increase Market Growth
    New and alternative banana varieties designed to increase market growth Jeff Daniells Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation Project Number: BA09041 BA09041 This report is published by Horticulture Australia Ltd to pass on information concerning horticultural research and development undertaken for the banana industry. The research contained in this report was funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd with the financial support of the banana industry. All expressions of opinion are not to be regarded as expressing the opinion of Horticulture Australia Ltd or any authority of the Australian Government. The Company and the Australian Government accept no responsibility for any of the opinions or the accuracy of the information contained in this report and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their own interests. ISBN 0 7341 2678 6 Published and distributed by: Horticulture Australia Ltd Level 7 179 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 8295 2300 Fax: (02) 8295 2399 © Copyright 2011 HORTICULTURE AUSTRALIA LIMITED Final report: BA09041 (20 May 2011) New and alternative banana varieties designed to increase market growth Jeff Daniells et al. Queensland Government Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation HAL Project Number BA09041 (20 May 2011) Project Leader: Jeff Daniells Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Queensland Government, South Johnstone Research Station, PO Box 20, South Johnstone, 4859, Phone (07) 40641129, Fax (07) 40642249 E-mail: [email protected] Report Purpose: In line with HAL project guidelines, this report provides a project outline including technical summary or aims, outcomes and recommendations related to alternative banana varieties and the potential for their expansion in Australia.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Namwah'banana AKA 'Pisang Awak'
    'Namwah' Banana AKA ‘Pisang Awak’ Mature Height: 10-14' Type: Dessert or cooking The most popular banana in Thailand. Everyone should grow this variety! Disease resistant, easy to grow, and a beautiful light green plant with pink in the stem. Flavor has hints of Red Delicious Apple, melon, and jackfruit. Sweet, with a different texture than Hawaiian Apple bananas. Sweet, with a different texture than Hawaiian Apple bananas. Somewhat rare in Hawaii but becoming more common for good reason! 'Dwarf Namwah' Banana AKA ‘Dwarf Pisang Awak’ Mature Height: 6-11' Type: Dessert or cooking The most popular banana in Thailand. Everyone should grow this variety! Disease resistant, easy to grow, and a beautiful light green plant with pink in the stem. Flavor has hints of Red Delicious Apple, melon, and jackfruit. Sweet, with a different texture than Hawaiian Apple bananas. Somewhat rare in Hawaii but becoming more common for good reason! Same fruit as the Tall Namwah, but in a shorter, thick- trunked plant. 1000 Fingers Banana Mature Height: 7-12' Type: Dessert Rare in Hawaii! A very unusual banana, '1000 Fingers' is a beautiful, solid green plant that grows 7 to 12 feet tall and produces sweet 1-3” tiny bananas too numerous to count. The stem of fruit can be as long as 8 feet. The fruit are very sweet, fragrant and slightly acidic. Like a mix between a Williams and Apple banana. It seems to continue to flower and form fruit for as long as the parent plant can nourish it. The fruits are very resistant to bruising.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrated Crop Production of Bananas in Indonesia and Australia
    Final report project Integrated crop production of bananas in Indonesia and Australia project number HORT 2008/040 date published 1/06/2019 prepared by Agustin B. Molina co-authors/ Catur Hermanto, Tony Pattison, Siti Subandiyah, Winarno and contributors/ Sukarman collaborators approved by NA final report number FR2019-66 ISBN 978-1-925747-42-3 published by ACIAR GPO Box 1571 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia This publication is published by ACIAR ABN 34 864 955 427. Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However ACIAR cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. © Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) 2019 - This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from ACIAR, GPO Box 1571, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, [email protected]. Final Report: Integrated crop production of bananas in Indonesia and Australia Contents 1 Acknowledgments .................................................................................... 3 2 Acronyms .................................................................................................. 4 3 Executive summary .................................................................................. 5 4 Background ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation of Zinc in Various Arums, Bananas, Vegetables and Pulses from Five Upazila of Chittagong Region in Bangladesh by Spectro-Photometric Method
    IOSR Journal Of Environmental Science, Toxicology And Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) ISSN: 2319-2402, ISBN: 2319-2399. Volume 2, Issue 3 (Nov. - Dec. 2012), PP 32-37 www.Iosrjournals.Org Evaluation of Zinc in various Arums, Bananas, Vegetables and Pulses from Five Upazila of Chittagong region in Bangladesh by Spectro-photometric Method Faridul Islam1,, Sreebash Chandra Bhattacharjee2, Abu Sayeed Mohammad Mahmud3, Md. Tofayal Hossain Sarkar4, Most. Afroza Khatun5, Mohammed Abdus Satter6, Muhammad Shahjalal Khan7, Tarannum Taznin8 1,2,3,4Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) Laboratories, Chittagong. Chittagong- 4220, Bangladesh 5Chemical Engineering Department, Jessore Science & Technology University, Bangladesh 6Institute of Food Science and Technology, BCSIR, Dhaka, Bangladesh 7Area Nutrition Officer, Nestle Bangladesh Limited 8Department of Microbiology, Jessore Science and Technology University (JSTU), Bangladesh. Abstract: Zinc is an essential element needed by the body in small amounts as it is the most abundant trace metals in human. It deficiency is occurring in different climate regions of the world. It has become an important risk factor for plant growth as well as human health throughout the world. In this study, we observed the amount of zinc in different arums, bananas, vegetables and pulses which are locally available in Chittagong region of Bangladesh. The amount of zinc in twenty samples of arums was found to vary from 0.3174-9.0755 µg/g. The highest and lowest value was found in arums of Typhonium trilobatum (Patiya) and Amorphophallus campanulatus (Satkaniya) respectively. In bananas vary from 0.1430 to 2.7360 µg/g. The highest and lowest value was found in banana of Musa acuminata in Satkania and Ramgarh upazila respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Study on the Potassium Content of Nigerian Bananas and the Methanolic Extraction, Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Studies of Oils from Banana Peels
    Covenant Journal of Physical and Life Sciences (CJPL) Vol. 3 No 1. June, 2015 Study on the Potassium content of Nigerian Bananas and the Methanolic Extraction, Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Studies of Oils from Banana Peels Oluwatosin Y. Audu*, Bamidele M. Durodola*, Raphael C. Mordi*, F. Elizabeth Owolabi*, Gabriella C. Uzoamaka*, Joan I. Ayo-Ajayi*, E. Afolake Fadairo*, Ifedolapo O. Olanrewaju*, Taiwo F. Owoeye*, S. John Olurunshola† *Department of Chemistry and †Department of Biological Sciences, School Natural and Applied Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University Km 10, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria [email protected] Abstract: Banana is eaten all over the world by all sections of the population. It is known to contain potassium and it has been suggested that it could serve as a source of potassium. Recently, a valuable chemical component, a lectin, called BanLec, was isolated from banana fruit and found to possess anti-HIV-1 activity. However, the peels of banana are thrown away as rubbish and farmers are known to use them as feed for their animals. It is therefore necessary to determine the potassium content of some Nigerian bananas and to also extract the oils from their peels. The components of the extracted oils are to be determined and tested for their biological activity. The potassium content of five (5) varieties of Nigerian bananas (Dwarf Cavendish AAA GP; Lady Finger AA GP; Dwarf Chinese Double; Double Dwarf Senorata AA GP; Giant Cavendish (Williams) AAA GP and Dwarf Red AAA GP) was determined using flame photometer. The potassium content varied from 0.15 mg/g (Dwarf Red) to 1.80 mg/g (Lady Finger).
    [Show full text]
  • Hort 2008/040 Final Report
    Final report project Integrated crop production of bananas in Indonesia and Australia project number HORT 2008/040 date published prepared by Agustin B. Molina co-authors/ Catur Hermanto, Tony Pattison, Siti Subandiyah, Winarno and contributors/ Sukarman collaborators approved by final report number ISBN published by ACIAR GPO Box 1571 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia This publication is published by ACIAR ABN 34 864 955 427. Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However ACIAR cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. © Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) XXXX - This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from ACIAR, GPO Box 1571, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, [email protected]. Final Report: Integrated crop production of bananas in Indonesia and Australia Contents 1 Acknowledgments .................................................................................... 3 2 Acronyms .................................................................................................. 4 3 Executive summary .................................................................................. 5 4 Background ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • WO 2018/220581 Al 06 December 2018 (06.12.2018) W !P O PCT
    (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date WO 2018/220581 Al 06 December 2018 (06.12.2018) W !P O PCT (51) International Patent Classification: CI2N 15/82 (2006.01) (21) International Application Number: PCT/IB2018/053903 (22) International Filing Date: 31 May 2018 (3 1.05.2018) (25) Filing Language: English (26) Publication Language: English (30) Priority Data: 1708662.0 31 May 2017 (3 1.05.2017) GB (71) Applicant: TROPIC BIOSCIENCES UK LIMITED [GB/GB]; Norwich Research Park, Centrum, Colney Ln, Norwich NR4 7UG (GB). (72) Inventors: MAORI, Eyal; 24 HaEgoz Street, 7553913 Ris- hon-LeZion (IL). GALANTY, Yaron; 8 Benny's Way, Co- ton, Cambridge CB23 7PS (GB). PIGNOCCHI, Cristina; 49 Central Crescent, Hethersett, Norwich NR9 3EP (GB). = CHAPARRO GARCIA, Angela; 58 Grove Road, Nor- = wich NR1 3RW (GB). MEIR, Oflr; 7 Turnberry, Norwich, = Norfolk NR4 6PX (GB). = (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every _ kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, = AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, ~ CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, DO, = DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, = HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, KP, = KR, KW,KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY,MA, MD, ME, = MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, = OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, = SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, = TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
    [Show full text]
  • International ISHS-Promusa Symposium on Bananas And
    ISHS/ProMusa symposium Bananas and plantains: Toward sustainable global production and improved uses Bahia Othon Palace Hotel, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil 10-14 October 2011 Program and abstracts Co-organized by: Acknowledgements This ISHS/ProMusa symposium is sponsored by the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), Bioversity International, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Banco do Nordeste do Brasil (BNB) and Sociedade Brasileira de Fruticultura (SBF). The participation of delegates is supported by many organizations and individuals, without whose support this symposium would not have been possible. Numerous individuals and organizations generously contributed their time to the organization of this symposium. The abstracts in this publication were reviewed and edited by the members of the Scientific Committee. Special thanks go to: Alice Churchill, Fernanda V. Duarte Souza, Robert Miller, Charles Staver, Claudia Fortes Ferreira, Maurício Guzmàn, Miguel Angel Dita, Frederic Backry, Inge Van den Bergh, Jean-Michel Risede, Sebastião de Oliveira e Silva, Jorge Sandoval, Stefan Hauser, Thierry Lescot and to Bioversity’s Scientific Editor Vincent Johnson. Karen Lehrer and Claudine Picq are gratefully acknowledged for the copy-editing, formatting and layout of this publication. The contribution of all who have worked so hard towards the success of this meeting is gratefully acknowledged. Cover photo by Herminio Rocha/Embrapa ISHS/ProMusa symposium Bananas and plantains: Toward sustainable global production and improved uses Bahia Othon Palace Hotel, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil 10-14 October 2011 Program and abstracts Co-organized by: Program Monday, 10 October 2011 07:00-09:00 Registration 09:00-09:30 Welcome remarks 09:30-10:00 Opening Keynote: Panorama of the Banana Industry in Latin America and the Caribbean Islands D.H.
    [Show full text]
  • NATURE's NON-STOP
    ALL ABOUT BANANAS NATURE’s NON-STOP ENERGy SNACK PROJECT KIt Australian Bananas are Packed With Good Stuff Australian Bananas are bursting with long-lasting energy and have loads of health benefits including Potassium, Antioxidants, Fibre, Folate, Vitamin B6 and Low GI. Find out more in the Nutrition Section CUT out AND STICK ON Bananas help you refuel for any activity... Use these to stick on your school projects. Keep PumpInG Keep pla Keep creatIng yIng MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY STAGE There’s always a great way to eat Australian Cavendish bananas no matter how ripe they are. Unripe/Green Yellow & Ripe Early Browning Really brown Add these to Perfect for smoothies Great for banana breads Perfect to cook fresh salads and eating! and baking on the BBQ MIND BENDING FACTS Australians munch Bananas are bent due through 5,000,000 to a phenomenon known bananas every day as negative geotropism If you put each banana end to end it Once developed, instead of growing towards the would stretch from Sydney to Melbourne. ground, bananas turn towards the sun. That’s one long yellow highway! The fruit continues growing against gravity, giving the banana its familiar curved shape. MORE MIND BENDING FACTS At over 10,000 years old, Despite their firm bananas are the world’s texture, bananas are oldest fruit composed of 75% water That’s about 5 times older than the Colosseum That’s even more than a human body, in Italy, or the Parthenon in Greece. which are which is 60% water. around 2,000 years old! The banana is the best fruit source of vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 assists the formation of red blood cells and certain brain chemicals.
    [Show full text]
  • Issue-50-September-2017.Pdf
    Australian Issue: 50 | SEPTEMBER 2017 BANANAS CONGRESS 2017— COOKING UP A STORM IN SYDNEY BANANA BALL PAGE 24–25 LEANING INTO THE CHALLENGE Page 6 TOP GONG FOR PHILLIPS Page 10 NEW BANANA CULTIVARS Page 16 abgc.org.au Knowledge grows YaraMila grows your business with you Introducing YaraMila™ 10-4-25 A compound granule that is ideal for supplying the nutritional requirements of bananas. • Balanced nutrition in every granule supports better nutrient uptake and plant growth • Well granulated fertiliser that has low dust, excellent handling and spreading characteristics for uniform application • Rapid nutrient release to satisfy requirements of quick growing, high yielding crops YaraMila 10-4-25.indd 1 29/09/2016 3:07:05 PM EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Paula Doran 0408 424 194 [email protected] ART DIRECTION & DESIGN theroom design studio Level 1/82 Vulture Street, West End 07 3846 0140 www.theroom.com.au 24 PUBLISHER Knowledge grows Australian Banana Growers’ Council Inc. ABN: 60 381 740 734 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CONTENTS Issue: 50 | SEPTEMBER 2017 Jim Pekin INDUSTRY STRATEGY MANAGER Michelle McKinlay REGULARS TR4 RESEARCH R&D MANAGER Chair’s comment 4 New banana cultivars key to industry future 16 Dr Rosie Godwin EXECUTIVE OFFICER CEO’s report 5 Prospects for niche market variety 17 Leanne Erakovic Marketing update 36–37 Identifying TR4 resistance in seeded banana lines 18 ADVERTISING Understanding movement of Fusarium Hilary Opray [email protected] INDUSTRY NEWS within a banana plant 19 BOARD OF DIRECTORS New Hort Code 8 BANANA FEATURE Chairman
    [Show full text]