A Pineapple Battling Fungus

What does it refer to?

A genetically altered pineapple variety designed to withstand Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus responsible for Fusariosis, which devastates stems, leaves, and fruits.

Created by Bose Institute (DST) researchers Prof. Gaurab Gangopadhyay and Dr. Soumili Pal.

Risk of Fungal Infection to Pineapple:

Fusariosis results in distorted stems, darkened foliage, and internal decay of fruit, leading to significant harvest reductions.

Conventional breeding techniques face challenges in addressing rapidly changing fungal strains.

How was the Antifungal Pineapple Created?

Researchers elevated the expression of the AcSERK3 gene, boosting the plant’s innate defence systems.

The gene was introduced into pineapple explants using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

Transgenic plants demonstrated increased tolerance to stress and enzyme activity, defending against fungal infections.

Main Characteristics:

Improved disease resistance: More robust protection against Fusarium.

Stable genetic characteristic: Minimal chance of gene loss over generations.

Sustainable agriculture: Lowers dependence on chemical fungicides.

Importance:

Initial recorded instance of overexpressing an intrinsic gene for fungal resistance in pineapples.

Possibility of multi-fungal resistant varieties via extended field experiments.