A Fungus Fighting Pineapple

Source: PIB

Context: Indian researchers at Bose Institute have developed a fungus-resistant pineapple by overexpressing the AcSERK3 gene, offering a sustainable solution against Fusariosis, a devastating fungal disease.

About A Fungus Fighting Pineapple:

• What is it?

• A genetically modified pineapple variety engineered to resist Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus causing Fusariosis, which destroys stems, leaves, and fruits. Developed by Bose Institute (DST) scientists Prof. Gaurab Gangopadhyay and Dr. Soumili Pal.

• A genetically modified pineapple variety engineered to resist Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus causing Fusariosis, which destroys stems, leaves, and fruits.

• Developed by Bose Institute (DST) scientists Prof. Gaurab Gangopadhyay and Dr. Soumili Pal.

• Threat of Fungal Disease to Pineapple:

• Fusariosis leads to stem warping, blackened leaves, and internal fruit rot, causing heavy crop losses. Traditional breeding methods struggle to counter fast-evolving fungal strains.

• Fusariosis leads to stem warping, blackened leaves, and internal fruit rot, causing heavy crop losses.

• Traditional breeding methods struggle to counter fast-evolving fungal strains.

• How the Antifungal Pineapple Was Developed?

• Scientists overexpressed the AcSERK3 gene, enhancing the plant’s natural defence mechanisms. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was used to insert the gene into pineapple explants. Transgenic plants showed higher stress tolerance and enzyme activity, resisting fungal attacks.

• Scientists overexpressed the AcSERK3 gene, enhancing the plant’s natural defence mechanisms.

• Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was used to insert the gene into pineapple explants.

• Transgenic plants showed higher stress tolerance and enzyme activity, resisting fungal attacks.

• Key Features: Enhanced disease resistance: Stronger defence against Fusarium. Stable genetic trait: Low risk of gene deletion over generations. Sustainable farming: Reduces reliance on chemical fungicides.

• Enhanced disease resistance: Stronger defence against Fusarium.

• Stable genetic trait: Low risk of gene deletion over generations.

• Sustainable farming: Reduces reliance on chemical fungicides.

• Significance:

• First documented case of overexpressing an inherent gene for fungal resistance in pineapples. Potential for multi-fungal resistant varieties through long-term field trials.

• First documented case of overexpressing an inherent gene for fungal resistance in pineapples.

• Potential for multi-fungal resistant varieties through long-term field trials.