Back to Project Library

Fusarium wilt is an infection caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FoC) that targets Cavendish banana plants. The fungus enters the plant through the roots and then blocks the plant’s ability to absorb necessary nutrients. The bananas’ inability to ward off this infection results in plant death. Further, Cavendish bananas’ vulnerability to this disease has prompted billions of dollars in economic losses to countries that rely on banana production and exportation. While previous trials have attempted to eradicate the disease, an effective solution to eliminate FoC is yet to be discovered. Our proposed solution highlights the usage of allicin, a compound found in garlic that has demonstrated effectiveness in stopping the growth and proliferation of fungal infections. Our design is an allicin expression system for Enterobacter cloacae that works by inserting the gene encoding allicin into a bacterial endophyte (E. cloacae) and implementing that endophyte into the soil. As a result, we hypothesize Cavendish banana plants can gain resistance to FoC.

Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Cavendish Bananas

School

Western Reserve Academy
Hudson, OH

BioBuilderClub Season

2023-2024 Season

Category

Resources

BBC LT_Fusarium Fighters_Western Reserve Academy_2024

BBC Poster_Fusarium Fighters_Western Reserve Academy_2024

6350 Paderborne Dr 3

BBC Abstract_FusariumFighters_WRA_2024

BioTreks WRA Fusarium Fighters 2024