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.

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.

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.

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.

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. .

Diversity of Endophytic Fungi in Banana Cultivars of Assam India

Endophytic fungal isolates(139 no.)were obtained from 143(62 roots,18 fruits and 54 leaves)samples of 15 dif­ferent varieties of banana collected from 10 sites in Assam,India during 2018-2019.Overall isolation frequency from surface-sterilized tissue ranged from 10%-80%(as per site)and 6%-70%(as per variety of banana).All isolates were segregated into 40 different types on the basis of macromorphological and micro morphological characteristics.Forty different fungal taxa were isolated belonging to 14 genera including Absidia,Arthrinium,Aspergillus,Bipolaris,Cla­dosporium,Curvularia,Dendrophion,Fusarium,Humicola,Mortierella,Mucor,Penicillium,Paecilomyces,Verticilli­um and one mycelium sterile.Among them,Cladosporium cladosporioidies and Paecilomyces sp.frequently occurred in most of the sites surveyed whereas Cladospoirum cladosporioides and Aspergillus sp.8,Fusarium graminseram were most frequently isolated from different varieties.However,all sites differed in their fungal diversity.Banana samples from Narigoan and Jorhat have been found with maximum fungal species followed by marigoan samples so as to Banana varieties Amrit Sagar endowed 27 no.of fungi followed by Jehaji and Honda which were associated with a maximum 14 fungal sp.Isolation frequency and relative abundance of Cladosporium cladosporiodes(80%,4.6),Paecilomyces farinosus(80%,4.6)followed by Penicillium ruburm,Aspergillus sp.8&9(70%,4.02)were recorded as maximum comparatively in different sites.However,Aspergillus sp.8,Mortieralla sp.and Pacilomyces farinosus are isolated frequently from different banana varieties(73.33%,4.93).

Matrix-Material Fabrication Technique and Thermogravimetric Analysis of Banana Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

From the environmental consideration,it would be very interesting to use natural fibers such as banana,jute or coir as reinforcement materials instead of artificial fibers or any kind of synthetic materials.Natural fibers have many advantages over synthetic ones.Polypropylene banana fiber composites(PPBC)are prepared using untreated and alkali-treated banana fibers at 10-25%by weight of the fiber loading.The thermal properties of polypropylene natural fiber composites are very important for technological uses.Thermogravimetric measurements show that the incorporation of banana fiber into PP enhances the thermal stability of composites containing treated fibers,in comparison with untreated fibers.A composite of biodegradable polypropylene(PP)reinforced with short banana natural fibers was prepared by melt blending followed by a hot press molding system.The thermal properties of matrix materials were studied using thermogravimetric analyzers TGA units.It is observed that the introduction of short banana fibers slightly improved the thermo oxidative stability of PP-banana composites.Physical and chemical changes occurred through dehydration,phase transition,molecular orientation,crystallinity disruption,oxidation and decomposition,and incorporation of several functional groups.Systematic investigations of the thermal behavior of polymers in gas,vacuum or inert atmosphere give the knowledge of how change takes place in polymers.To understand such changes thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)and thermal analysis(TG)were performed.It is observed reinforcement of short banana fiber leads to little improvement in the thermooxidative stability of PPBC.Due to the enhancement of thermo-mechanical properties,such composites may be used as building materials namely roof materials,selling materials and many other engineering applications.

Cultivation and Management Technologies for New Banana Cultivar ‘Refen 1’(Musa Spp. ABB,Pisang Awak Subgroup)

Banana is one of the most important crops in tropical and subtropical regions of China. Fenjiao( Musa Spp. ABB,Pisang Awak subgroup) has been grown by small scale famers because of its stable market price and better sugar-acid blend. However,the traditional Fenjiao variety is susceptible to banana Fusarium wilt,has a high plant height( over 5. 0 m),and farmers lack large-scale planting techniques.Based on the traditional Fenjiao variety,we selected‘Refen 1’variety through mutagenesis technology,which has low temperature resistance,suitable to marginal soils and relatively low plant height( 3. 2-4. 0 m). This paper mainly introduces the major techniques of propagation,cultivation,and post-harvest stages of‘Refen 1’banana,including the selection of explant materials,treatment,disinfection,initial culture,nursery hardening of in vitro-produced banana plants,and transplant of tissue culture seedlings. The major points of the cultivation technology include banana plantation selection and preparation,planting methods,irrigation and fertilizer management,pruning and retaining,and prevention and control of plant diseases and insect pests.