Biocontrol of fusarium oxysporum TR4 using endophytic fungal strains for sustainable banana crop protection

Overview

Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is one of the most destructive pathogens affecting banana production worldwide, with no fully effective chemical control available. ProPlantae Sanidad Vegetal SL is developing a biocontrol approach that leverages a proprietary collection of more than 100 endophytic and antagonistic fungal strains to combat this pathogen. The laboratory has previously demonstrated the ability of certain strains to completely inhibit the growth of major plant pathogens, and now seeks to extend this capability to TR4. This work supports the urgent need for sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides in banana cultivation and other susceptible crops.

Technical specifications

Microbial collection and capabilities:

• Proprietary library of over 100 fungal strains with documented antagonistic potential
• Genera include Trichoderma, Aureobasidium, Epicoccum, Alternaria, and Clonostachys
• In vitro biocontrol assays covering competition, antibiosis, parasitism, volatile inhibition, and non-volatile inhibition
• Evaluation of fungicidal and fungistatic activity against target pathogens

Proposed validation workflow for TR4:

• Initial screening of the full collection against Fusarium oxysporum TR4
• Selection of the 10 most competitive strains based on initial results
• Detailed evaluation with 4 replicates per assay and 3 repetitions per strain
• Testing of antagonism, volatile-mediated inhibition, and non-volatile-mediated inhibition
• Statistical analysis to identify one or more lead candidate strains for TR4 control

Organizational expertise:

• Specialized in plant disease diagnosis and prescription of sustainable treatments
• Pathogen isolation and identification from plant and soil samples
• Collaborative research experience with public and private institutions
• Founded and led by a biotechnologist with extensive phytopathology and biocontrol experience

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early-to-mid research and development stage. The microbial collection and in vitro screening methodologies are established and have been validated against other plant pathogens. The specific application to Fusarium oxysporum TR4 represents a new research direction that has not yet been tested. The proposed multi-stage validation plan (initial screening, top-10 selection, replicated antagonism and volatile/non-volatile assays, statistical analysis, and candidate selection) is designed to advance the technology toward identifying lead biocontrol strains. Further validation in greenhouse and field conditions would be needed before commercial deployment.