Project Summary
This project addresses the urgent need to combat Fusarium wilt TR4, a devastating disease threatening global banana production. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4), is the most destructive of all banana diseases, posing a critical threat to banana cultivation. By employing induced mutagenesis and gene-editing techniques, this project seeks to enhance banana resistance to TR4, providing a sustainable solution to protect this staple crop.
Aim
To safeguard banana production and improve food security in regions affected by Fusarium wilt TR4.
Objectives
- To generate stable mutant banana clones using physical mutagenesis for enhancing resistance to Fusarium TR4 disease.
- To generate gene edited banana by knocking out disease susceptibility ‘S’ gene.
Outcomes
- Development of banana plants with enhanced resistance to Fusarium wilt TR4.
Partners
- International Atomic Energy Agency
Target Country
- Global
Research Location
- Kenya: Nairobi