From fundamental research discoveries to applications for banana improvement

The Musa International Transit Centre (ITC) maintains nearly 1200 banana (Musa spp.) accessions in vitro. Through the Global Conservation Strategy, ITC is linked to field collections, which are used for taxonomy training and data acquisition on-for example-disease and pest resistance. Bananas exhibit somaclonal variation, and for some accessions, the frequency of somaclonal variation increases dramatically under in vitro conditions. In order to safely store this valuable Musa biodiversity, the in vitro collection is being cryopreserved. Over the years, fundamental research proved instrumental in the successful development of the different cryopreservation protocols. Among others, a proteomics study was performed on meristem cultures to investigate the response of different banana varieties to osmotic stress associated with cryopreservation. Valuable proteomics experience in Musa and other crops was gained based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). Using high-resolution 2DE gels that routinely display about 900-1500 protein spots, individual protein isoforms were separated and an extensive amount of mass spectrometry data accumulated. Ultimately, a 2DE map of the Musa meristem proteome (637 identified proteins) was constructed. Following identification, some of the differentially expressed proteins under osmotic stress were further functionally characterised in engineered plants. This banana transformation platform is also used as a tool for gene and promoter discovery via T-DNA tagging. These biotechnological approaches constitute a significant step towards the development of better performing crops, including more stress-tolerant varieties of banana.

ISBN:9789066051386

Publication year:2011

BOF-keylabel:yes

IOF-keylabel:yes

Authors from:Higher Education