Morpho-cultural, Pathogenicity and Molecular Characterization of Phyllosticta capitalensis Inciting Cavendish Banana Freckle Disease in Hainan

[Objectives]The study was to identify the casual agent of freckle disease on Cavendish banana in Hainan Province,China.[Methods]Fungal isolates were isolated from affected leaf tissues and identified by the morphological features,molecular identification and pathogenicity test.[Results]The fungus isolated from affected leaf tissues was identified as Phyllosticta capitalensis based on the morphological properties of the colony and spore,coupled with sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer(ITS)region and the large subunit(LSU)rDNA gene.Koch s postulates were fulfilled by successfully re-isolating the pathogen from the artificial inoculated leaves.[Conclusions]P.capitalensis is a new pathogen responsible for Cavendish banana freckle disease in Hainan.

Identification of banana leaf disease based on KVA and GR-ARNet

Banana is a significant crop,and three banana leaf diseases,including Sigatoka,Cordana and Pestalotiopsis,have the potential to have a serious impact on banana production.Existing studies are insufficient to provide a reliable method for accurately identifying banana leaf diseases.Therefore,this paper proposes a novel method to identify banana leaf diseases.First,a new algorithm called K-scale VisuShrink algorithm(KVA)is proposed to denoise banana leaf images.The proposed algorithm introduces a new decomposition scale K based on the semi-soft and middle course thresholds,the ideal threshold solution is obtained and substituted with the newly established threshold function to obtain a less noisy banana leaf image.Then,this paper proposes a novel network for image identification called Ghost ResNeSt-Attention RReLU-Swish Net(GR-ARNet)based on Resnet50.In this,the Ghost Module is implemented to improve the network's effectiveness in extracting deep feature information on banana leaf diseases and the identification speed;the ResNeSt Module adjusts the weight of each channel,increasing the ability of banana disease feature extraction and effectively reducing the error rate of similar disease identification;the model's computational speed is increased using the hybrid activation function of RReLU and Swish.Our model achieves an average accuracy of 96.98%and a precision of 89.31%applied to 13,021 images,demonstrating that the proposed method can effectively identify banana leaf diseases.

Stimulatory Effect of Tithonya diversifolia-by Products on Plantain Banana Vivoplants in Nursery (A Review)

Plantain banana is an important cash crop that serves as stable food for millions of people around the world and contributes to income generation. Indeed, they provide a major staple food crop for millions of people and play an important role in the social fabric of many rural communities. Plantain banana cultivation encounters major problem of seedlings unavailability that are essential for the creation of new plantations, as well as parasitic constraints. Mycosphaerella fijiensis is the main pathogen attack constraints of banana plant responsible of black Sigatoka disease, and viruses, which can severely reduce the photosynthetic leaf area, leading to banana production losses of more than 80% in plantations with soil fertility problems. The repeated use of synthetic input is the origin of contamination to the environment, different pollution sources of plants and human health, as well as resistance to some strains of pathogens and plant fertilization problems over time. Recent works carried out in nursery have shown that vivoplants of plantains treated with biostimulants based on natural products notably Tithonia diversifolia biopromote good growth and less susceptibility to M. fijiensis. Indeed, an increase in agromorphological characteristics, good accumulation of growth and defense biomarkers was also observed. In this context, Tithonia diversifolia is shown to be involved in the stimulatory effect mechanism of growth promotion and defensive reaction of plantain vivoplants against various pathogens and it is suggested to be acting as a vital stimulator. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on plantain banana cultivation constraints and on the potential of Tithonia diversifolia in relation with its different stimulatory effects on plantain vivoplants.

Thermo-Physical Potential of Recycled Banana Fibers for Improving the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Biosourced Gypsum-Based Materials

The development of bio-sourced materials is essential to ensuring sustainable construction;it is considered a locomotive of the green economy.Furthermore,it is an abundant material in our country,to which very little attention is being given.This work aims to valorize the waste of the trunks of banana trees to be used in construction.Firstly,the physicochemical properties of the fiber,such as the percentage of crystallization and its morphology,have been determined by X-ray diffraction tests and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the potential and the impact of the mode of drying on the quality of the banana fibers,with the purpose to promote the use of this material in construction.Secondly,the results obtained with the gypsum matrix allowed us to note a preponderant improvement in the composite’s thermal properties thanks to the variation of the banana fiber additive.Thirdly,the impact of the nature of the banana fiber distribution(either fiber mixed in matrix or fiber series model)on the flexural and compressive strengths of the composites was studied.The results obtained indicate that the insulation gain reaches up to 40%.It depends on the volume fraction and type of distribution of the banana fibers.However,the thermal inertia of the composites developed,represented by thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity,was studied.Results indicate a gain of 40%and 25%,respectively,in terms of thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the developed composites compared to plaster alone.Concerning the mechanical properties,the flexural strength depends on the percentage of the volume fraction of banana fibers used,and it can reach 20%more than the flexural strength of plaster;nevertheless,there is a significant loss in terms of the compressive strength of the studied composites.The results obtained are confirmed by the microstructure of the fiber banana.In fact,the morphology of the banana fibers was improved by the drying process.It reduces the amorphous area and improves the cellulosic crystalline surfaces,which assures good adhesion between the fiber and the matrix plaster.Finally,the dimensionless coefficient analysis was done to judge the optimal proportion of the banana fiber additive and to recommend its use even on false ceilings or walls.

Biological Characteristics of the Pathogen Phyllosticta capitalensis Causing Banana Freckle Disease in Hainan Province

[Objectives]This study was conducted to clarify the biological characteristics of the pathogen Phyllosticta capitalensis,the causal agent of freckle disease on Cavendish banana in Hainan Province,China.[Methods]The impact of various nutritional and environmental factors,including media,carbon sources,nitrogen sources,temperature,pH and light on the growth and sporulation of P.capitalensis was assessed using two distinct methods:mycelium growth rate and blood counting chamber.[Results]The mycelial growth and sporulation of P.capitalensis on different media exhibited notable differences.The use of banana leaf extract dextrose agar(BLEAD)and carrot agar(CA)was observed to facilitate rapid mycelial growth.The potato dextrose agar(PDA)and potato sucrose agar(PSA)were conducive to the production of conidia.The utilization of distinct carbon and nitrogen sources exerted a pronounced influence on the growth of P.capitalensis.Maltose,dextrose,fructose,and casein acid hydrolysate were the preferred substrates for mycelial growth.The tested carbon and nitrogen sources did not significantly stimulate conidial production,whereas dextrose and NaNO 3 were found to favor sporulation.The optimal temperature for mycelial growth and conidial production was determined to be 28 and 32℃,respectively.No mycelial growth was observed at 5℃.Active mycelial growth was observed at pH 6-10,with pH 6-7 being particularly conducive to sporulation.Complete darkness was conducive to mycelial growth and sporulation.[Conclusions]It is recommended that BLEDA and PDA should be incubated at 28℃for 14 d in the dark for the purpose of mycelial growth and sporulation of P.capitalensis,respectively.

In-vitro digestibility,protein digestibility corrected amino acid,and sensory properties of banana-cassava gluten-free pasta with soy protein isolate and egg white protein addition

Soy protein isolate and egg white protein were added to cassava-banana gluten-free pasta and the effects on the nutritional quality,digestibility properties,protein digestibility corrected amino acid(PDCAA),and sensory acceptance of the pasta was observed.Banana-cassava composite flour(75:25)was blended with soy protein isolate or egg white protein at the following rates:0,5,10,and 15 g/100 g flour.Cooked pasta samples were analysed for total phenolic content(TPC),antioxidant activity,amino acid profiles,protein content,starch digestibility,protein digestibility and protein digestibility corrected amino acid score(PDCAAS).Addition of both proteins decreased starch digestibility,increased protein digestibility,improved the balance of the amino acid profile,and PDCAAS whereas only soy protein isolate enhanced the TPC and antioxidant capacity of the banana-cassava pasta.An egg white protein-fortified banana-cassava pasta had better customer acceptance and purchase intent than soy protein isolate inclusion.

Fusarium wilt of banana:Current update and sustainable disease control using classical and essential oils approaches

Fusarium species were reported to produce biofilms.Biofilms are superficial societies of microbes bounded and endangered by being situated or taking place outside a cell or cells.The most destructive fungal diseases caused by phytopathogens are as a result of biofilms formation.Fusarium wilt of banana(Panama disease)is caused by a soil-borne pathogen called Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense.Fusarium oxysporum occurs in a form of a species complex(FOSC)which encompasses a crowd of strains.Horizontal genetic factor transfer may donate to the observed assortment in pathogenic strains,while sexual reproduction is unknown in the FOSC.Fusarium wilt is a notorious disease on several crops worldwide.Yield loss caused by this pathogen is huge,and significant to destroy crop yields annually,thereby affecting the producer countries in various continents of the world.The disease is also resistant to various synthetic chemical fungicides.However,excessive use of synthetic fungicides during disease control could be lethal to humans,animals,and plants.This calls for alternative eco-friendly management of this disease by targeting the biofilms formation and finally suppressing this devastating phytopathogen.In this review,we,therefore,described the damage caused by Fusarium wilt disease,the concept of filamentous fungal biofilms,classical control strategies,sustainable disease control strategies using essential oils,and prevention and control of vegetables Fusarium wilt diseases.

Hair growth-promotion effects and antioxidant activity of the banana flower extract HappyAngel^(■):double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Banana flowers contain various bioactive components, including several antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is unclear whether they can reduce and prevent hair loss. This study examines the effect of banana flower extracts on preventing hair loss and strengthening hair roots. The banana flower extract(HappyAngel^(■))was used to treat human hair follicle dermal papilla cells(HFDPCs)and the expression of reactive oxygen species(ROS), dihydrotestosterone(DHT), and hair-related genes(SRD5A1, SRD5A2, AR, and KROX20)were monitored. Fifty subjects were divided into a placebo group and a banana flower group. The experimental group consumed banana flower extract daily for twelve weeks and then underwent hair testing, hair-related genes analysis, collection of hair loss, and questionnaires. The results showed that the banana flower extract significantly increased hair cell growth and decreased the expression of ROS, DHT, and hair follicle growth inhibition-related SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and AR genes, and significantly increased the expression of hair growth-related KROX20 gene in HFDPCs. Consuming banana flower extract for twelve weeks increased the hair root diameter and reduced hair loss and scalp redness compared to the placebo group. Thus, banana flower extract(HappyAngel^(■))can stimulate hair growth and inhibit the activation of hair loss genes.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14-mediated phosphorylation of MaMYB4 negatively regulates banana fruit ripening

Mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK/MPK)cascades play crucial parts in plant growth,development processes,immune ability,and stress responses;however,the regulatory mechanism by which MAPK affects fruit ripening remains largely unexplored.Here,we reported that MaMPK14 cooperated with MaMYB4 to mediate postharvest banana fruit ripening.Transient overexpression of individual MaMPK14 and MaMYB4 in banana fruit delayed fruit ripening,confirming the negative roles in the ripening.The ripening negative regulator MaMYB4 could repress the transcription of genes associated with ethylene biosynthesis and fruit softening,such as MaACS1,MaXTH5,MaPG3,and MaEXPA15.Furthermore,MaMPK14 phosphorylated MaMYB4 at Ser160 via a direct interaction.Mutation at Ser160 of MaMYB4 reduced its interaction with MaMPK14 but did not affect its subcellular localization.Importantly,phosphorylation of MaMYB4 by MaMPK14 enhanced the MaMYB4-mediated transcriptional inhibition,binding strength,protein stability,and the repression of fruit ripening.Taken together,our results delineated the regulation pathway of MAPK module during banana fruit ripening,which involved the phosphorylation modification of MaMYB4 mediated by MaMPK14.

A Study on the Physical Properties of Banana Straw Based on the Discrete Element Method

To improve the application of discrete element models(DEM)to the design of agricultural crushers,in this study a new highly accurate model is elaborated.The model takes into account the fiber structure,porous nature of the material and the leaf sheath coating structure.Dedicated experimental tests are conducted to determine the required“intrinsic”and basic contact parameters of the considered banana straw materials.A large number of bonding parameters are examined in relation to the particle aggregation model in order to characterize different actual banana straws.Using the particle surface energy contact model,the viscosity characteristics of the crushed material are determined together with the related stacking angle(considered as the main response factor).Through single factor experiment analysis,it is found that when the surface energy is 0.9 J·m-2,the relative error between simulations and physical experiments is 5.288%.

Biofuel Recovery from Plantain and Banana Plant Wastes:Integration of Biochemical and Thermochemical Approach

Globally,fossil fuel dependence has created several environmental challenges and climate change.Hence,creating other alternative renewable and ecologically friendly bio-energy sources is necessary.Lignocellulosic biomass has gained significant attention recently as a renewable material for biofuel production.The large amounts of plantain and banana plant parts wasted after harvesting,as well as the peels generated daily by the fruit market and industries,demonstrate the potential of bioenergy resources.This review briefly assesses plantain and banana plant biomass(PBB)generated in the developing,developed,and underdeveloped countries,the consumable parts,and feasible products yield.It emphasized the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly adopted treatment technologies of composting,incineration,and landfilling.Further,the utilization of PBB as catalysts in biodiesel synthesis was briefly highlighted.To optimize recovery of biofuel,different integration routes of pyrolysis,anaerobic digestion,fermentation,hydrothermal carbonization,hydrothermal liquefaction,and hydrothermal gasification for the valorization of the PBB were proposed.The complex compounds present in the PBB(hemicellulose,cellulose,and lignin)can be converted into valuable bio-products such as methane gas and bio-ethanol for bioenergy,and nutrients to promote bioactive ingredients.The investigation of the viability and innovation potential of the integrated routes’technology is necessary to improve the circular bio-economy and the recovery of biofuels from biomass waste,particularly PBB.

Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Badnavirus in the Banana (Musa spp) Major Growing Areas in Burkina Faso

Banana streak virus (BSV) and Sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV) are two badnaviruses commonly found in all banana growing areas of the world. It is a threat to the production and improvement of Musa germplasm. In Burkina Faso, the presence of badnaviruses was reported in banana producing regions. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of BSV and SCBV in banana production areas of Burkina Faso. A survey followed by a symptomatologic study was conducted in banana plantations in 27 localities of the nine main banana producing regions from July to October 2018 and September to December 2020. In all, 251 leaf samples were collected and analysed for BSV and SCBV infection by Indirect Antigen Coated Plate Assay-ELISA followed by amplification of the RT/RNase H region using Polymerase chain reaction with Badna FP/RP and SCBV F/R primers, respectively. A variety of symptoms were observed on almost all plant organs which were revealed due to BSV by symptomatologic study. The results of serological and molecular diagnosis revealed a high overall prevalence of BSV in 80.48% of the samples tested. BSV was distributed in seven survey regions out of nine with prevalence ranging from 10% to 100% in North, Centre, Centre West, Hauts Bassins, Cascades, Centre East and Boucle of Mouhoun regions. Very low prevalence was recorded for SCBV in Cascades and East Centre region with 4.35 and 12.5%, respectively. Species detection using specific primers to each species revealed three main species: Banana streak Obino l’ewaï virus (BSOLV), Goldfinger virus (BSGFV) and Imové virus (BSIMV) in the samples tested, respectively in the proportions of 23%, 8% and 0.8%. Co-infection between BSV species was also detected.

Inventory and Management of Fungi Associated with Banana Plant through the Use of Allium ampeloprasum and Cymbopogon citratus Extracts

Despite the nutritional, economic and medicinal values of banana plant, independent of the region and production system is confronted with some diseases such as the fungi disease. These fungal diseases are responsible for the low yields. The objective of this study was to improve the sanitary state of banana plant. To achieve this objective, fungi associated with banana leaves were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture medium and their identification was done on the basis of morphological and microscopic characteristics using reference documents. Antifungal activity of Allium ampeloprasum and Cymbopogon citratus extracts were evaluated in vitro on agar medium on the development of Pseudocercospora fijiensis, P. musicola and Pestalopsis sp. The results showed that banana plant harbours a diversity of fungal species, the most frequent being P. fijiensis (51.58%), Pestalopsis sp. (15.47%) and P. musicola (12.03%). Aqueous extracts of C. citratus at the concentration of 15 mg/ml, inhibited 100% of the radial growth of P. fijiensis and Pestalopsis sp with a fungitoxic activity. Similarly, ethanolic extract A. ampeloprasum inhibited at 100% the radial growth of Pestalopsis sp. This antifungal activity was fungistatic. These results suggest that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the tested plants could be used as alternatives to chemical products in the fight against banana diseases especially Sigatoka. Hence further studies need to be undertaken to isolate the active compounds from these extracts with fungicidal potential.

Preparation and Study of Morel and Banana Waffles

[Objectives]The processing technology of morel and banana waffles was studied with morels and bananas as raw materials. [Methods]Four variable factors of morels, bananas, pure milk and white granulated sugar were investigated with sensory evaluation as the evaluation index. The optimal fermentation conditions were determined on the basis of single-factor tests and an orthogonal test. [Results] The best addition proportions of variable factors for morel and banana waffles were 15 g of banana paste, 40 ml of pure milk, 15 g of white granulated sugar, and 1.5 g of morel powder, and those of other factors were 20 ml of egg liquid(whole egg), 35 g of low-gluten flour, 10 g of corn starch, 1 g of baking powder and 2 g of butter. Under these conditions, the morel and banana waffles had moderate shape, delicate taste, bright color and special flavor of raw materials. [Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for the emergence and popularization of new taste and formulas of waffles.

YOLO-Banana:An Effective Grading Method for Banana Appearance Quality

The increasing trend towards independent fruit packaging demands a high appearance quality of individually packed fruits.In this paper,we propose an improved YOLOv5-based model,YOLO-Banana,to effectively grade banana appearance quality based on the number of banana defect points.Due to the minor and dense defects on the surface of bananas,existing detection algorithms have poor detection results and high missing rates.To address this,we propose a densitybased spatial clustering of applications with noise(DBSCAN)and K-means fusion clustering method that utilizes refined anchor points to obtain better initial anchor values,thereby enhancing the network’s recognition accuracy.Moreover,the optimized progressive aggregated network(PANet)enables better multi-level feature fusion.Additionally,the non-maximum suppression function is replaced with a weighted non-maximum suppression(weighted NMS)function based on distance intersection over union(DIoU).Experimental results show that the model’s accuracy is improved by 2.3%compared to the original YOLOv5 network model,thereby effectively grading the banana appearance quality.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Badnaviruses Infecting Banana in Burkina Faso

Badnaviruses are serious plant pararetroviruses affecting banana and causes serious economic losses to banana production worldwide. This study aims to examine the variability of BSV and SCBV nature infecting banana in Burkina Faso. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) used the Badna FP/RP specific primers for the RT/RNase H regions present in badnaviruses. The PCR yielded about 579 bp amplicons from banana infected by BSV and SCBV. The 38 BSV isolates recorded low nucleotide identity ranging from 58.9% - 98.1%. Based on percentage nucleotide sequence identity and phylogenetic analyse, BSV isolates were categorized into four groups: 1, 2, 3 and 4. Group 4 shared 76.9% - 100% identity with BSOL species. However, Groups 1 and 3 recorded a low identity ranging, from 76.8% - 79.2%, 68.8% - 79.7% with BSCV, and 72.8% - 79.0% between Group 2 and BSOLV. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were assigned to a potentially new BSV species. The two SCBV isolates recorded a low nucleotide identity of 68% among themselves indicating high diversity. In addition, SCBV_Cd and SCBV_CE showed high nucleotide identity 91.3% and 58.7% with SCBV_C and SCBV, when they were compared to all published SCBV genotypes. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed the segregation of SCBV isolates into two genotypes, SCBV_Cd in C and SCBV_CE segregated in a new genotype namely Z. Recombination analyses showed weak signatures of recombination among some of the BSV and SCBV sequences.

Molecular Characterization,Morphology and Pathogenicity of Curvularia pseudobrachyspora,A New Causal Agent of Leaf Spot on Banana

[Objectives]The paper was to study molecular characterization,morphology and pathogenicity of Curvularia pseudobrachyspora,a new causal agent of leaf spot on banana.[Methods]Banana(Musa acuminate)leaves with streaks or long ellipse-shaped lesions were sampled in an orchard of Danzhou City,Hainan Province,China in 2021.Fungus isolates were isolated from the diseased tissues and further identified as C.pseudobrachyspora based on morphological characteristics of colony,conidiophore and spore,phylogenetic analyses of the ITS region,GAPDH and TEF-1αgenes.[Results]In the pathogenicity test,the fungus re-isolated from inoculated leaves with necrotic lesions was identified morphologically and molecularly,fulfilling Koch's postulates.[Conclusions]C.pseudobrachyspora is a new pathogen causing leaf spot of banana in China and the world.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Alternaria alternata Causing Leaf Spot Disease on Huangdi Banana in China

[Objectives]The paper was to identify Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot disease on Huangdi banana in China.[Methods]Fungal isolates were isolated and identified by morphological features,molecular identification and pathogenicity test.[Results]There were light to dark brown,tiny oval spots on leaves.The causal agent isolated from affected leaves was identified as A.alternata based on the morphological properties,coupled with sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer(ITS)region,large subunit ribosomal DNA(LSU rDNA)and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha(TEF-1α)gene.Koch s postulates were fulfilled by successful re-isolation of pathogen from the artificial inoculated leaves.[Conclusions]To our knowledge,this is the first report of leaf spot caused by A.alternata on Huangdi banana in China.The identification of A.alternata as the causal agent of the observed leaf spot disease on Huangdi banana is critical to the prevention and control of this disease in the future.

Multiple Pesticide Residues in Bananas Sold in Tangshan City and Dietary Risk Assessment

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the pesticide residue status of bananas in Tangshan area and the dietary intake risk of consumers.[Methods]High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS)was applied to detect 70 pesticide residues in 191 batches of banana samples extracted from Tangshan area,and chronic and acute risk assessments were conducted.[Results]Among the 191 batches of bananas,172 batches of samples were detected to contain agrochemicals,with a detection rate of 90.05%.Seventeen agrochemicals were detected,accounting for 24.29%of the total agrochemicals tested.There was a phenomenon of multiple pesticide residues in a single sample,and high detection rates were found in carbendazim(49.21%),prochloraz(41.88%),pyraclostrobin(34.03%)and imidacloprid(30.37%).According to GB 2763-2021 National Food Safety Standards—Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food,the over-standard rate of imidacloprid was 17.8%;and the chronic and acute dietary risks of the 17 pesticide residues were all less than 100%.[Conclusions]The pesticide residues in bananas consumed by consumers on a daily basis do not pose unacceptable dietary risks.

Comparative Study of Biogas Production from Jackfruit Waste, Banana Peels, and Pineapple Peels Co-Digested with Cow Dung

Only 42% of Uganda’s population has access to electricity. The population continues to use firewood and charcoal as a source of energy, which leads to depletion of forests thus to climate change. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of biogas production from jackfruit waste, banana peels, and pineapple peels when co-digested with cow dung as an alternative energy source. Substrates for each waste were co-digested with varying proportions (0%, 25%, and 50%) of cow dung using laboratory-scale 250 mL anaerobic digestors. The total biogas generation for jackfruit waste, banana peels, and pineapple peels after 30 days of anaerobic digestion was 82.3, 189, and 262 mL, respectively. When jack fruit waste, pineapple peels and banana peels were co-digested with 25% cow dung, the total amount of biogas produced increased by a factor of two and three, respectively. However, 50% of cow dung only significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved for jack fruit waste by two folds. Therefore, the results indicated that jackfruit waste, banana and pineapple peels can be used for biogas production to augment energy supply. .