Strategies for the Development of Resistance against Banana Bunchy Top Disease

Abstract:

Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) caused by the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is one of the serious diseases of concern. It is mainly transmitted by banana aphids. This review focuses on information related to the problem and biotechnological solutions, including pathogen-derived resistance (PDR) and gene silencing. Various strategies adopted for the development of transgenic varieties viz., Pathogen-derived resistance (PDR), Replicase-mediated resistance, Coat Protein (CP)-mediated protection, Movement Protein-mediated protection (MP-MP), Antisense technology, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated resistance, Virus-induced cell death, DNA binding proteins, etc. Recently, BBTV-resistant banana clones have been developed through RNAi technology. More emphasis is required to create research and development in the banana growing belt of the world. Today’s demand is to adopt biotechnological tools and their output for the sustainability and eco-friendly cultivation of bananas. These techniques are also useful for the promotion of organic cultivation and the conservation of our natural resources by reducing the use of pesticides. Adoptions of transgenic resistance crop varieties in bananas, as well as other crops, are required to fight against diseases of similar nature.