Abstract:
Endophytic non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum isolates are known to control Radopholus similis through
induced resistance. Using complementary (c)DNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP),
we identified genes induced in nematode-susceptible and -tolerant bananas following colonization by nonpathogenic
endophytic F. oxysporum isolate V5w2. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRTPCR)
were then used to analyze expression profiles of selected genes. Accumulated gene transcripts included
those involved in signal transduction, cell wall strengthening, Jasmonic acid (JA) pathway and transport of
defense molecules. Endophyte colonization primed the expression of β-1,3-glucan synthase and Coronatine
insensitive 1 (COI1) in the susceptible cultivar, and that of COI1 and Lipoxygenase (LOX) in the tolerant. We
isolate and identify for the first time genes involved in the interaction between endophytic non-pathogenic
F. oxysporum and banana.
Highlights
· We report identification of genes involved in fungal endophyte protection of banana.
· We report JA-induced defenses in banana- V5w2- Radopholus similis interaction.
· Genes were primed for expression upon nematode challenge of V5w2 inoculated plants.
