Fusariosis

Fusariosis : Recently, Indian researchers at the Bose Institute developed a fungus-resistant variety of pineapple by overexpressing the AcSERK3 gene, providing a sustainable and effective solution against Fusariosis

• About Fusariosis : Caused by the aggressive fungus Fusarium moniliforme and considered one of the most serious threats to pineapple cultivation.

o Impact on Crop: Deforms the plant’s stem.

- Causes blackening of leaves.

- Rots the fruit internally, making it unfit for consumption.

- Leads to significant crop losses and highly unreliable harvests.

• Key Highlights : Scientists have discovered a key gene: Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (SERK), which helps activate plant immune responses.

o By overexpressing AcSERK3, researchers boosted the pineapple’s natural defence system.

o The genetically enhanced plants showed greater resistance to Fusarium fungus compared to normal varieties.

• About Pineapple : Most economically important fruit of the Bromeliaceae family.

o Grows best at low elevations with temperatures between 15–30°C.

o Highly drought-tolerant, due to special water-storage cells.

o Rainfall : Tolerates 600–2500 mm/year (Optimum range: 1000–1500 mm/year)

o Soil Conditions: Adaptable to various soils but cannot tolerate waterlogging.

o Can be cultivated as a monocrop or intercrop (especially with coconut).

• India: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa
• World : Thailand, Philippines, Brazil, China etc