Comparative Whole-Genome Sequence Analyses of Fusarium Wilt Pathogen (Foc R1, STR4 and TR4) Infecting Cavendish (AAA) Bananas in India, with a Special Emphasis on Pathogenicity Mechanisms

Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) and is the most serious disease affecting bananas (Musa spp.). The fungus is classified into Foc race 1 (R1), Foc race 2, and Foc race 4 based on host specificity. As the rate of spread and the ranges of the devastation of the Foc races exceed the centre of the banana’s origin, even in non-targeted cultivars, there is a possibility of variation in virulence-associated genes. Therefore, the present study investigates the genome assembly of Foc races that infect the Cavendish (AAA) banana group in India, specifically those of the vegetative compatibility group (VCG) 0124 (race 1), 0120 (subtropical race 4), and 01213/16 (tropical race 4). While comparing the general features of the genome sequences (e.g., RNAs, GO, SNPs, and InDels), the study also looked at transposable elements, phylogenetic relationships, and virulence-associated effector genes, and sought insights into race-specific molecular mechanisms of infection based on the presence of unique genes. The results of the analyses revealed variations in the organisation of genome assembly and virulence-associated genes, specifically secreted in xylem (SIX) genes, when compared to their respective reference genomes. The findings contributed to a better understanding of Indian Foc genomes, which will aid in the development of effective Fusarium wilt management techniques for various Foc VCGs in India and beyond.

Enhanced functional properties of ZrO2/SiO2 hybrid nanosol coated cotton fabrics

In this present investigation, the colloidal silica and nano ZrO2 embedded silica solution were prepared using sol-gel method followed by the sonication process. The particle size was measured for the prepared silica sol with and without ZrO2 nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were coated on the cotton fabric through pad dry method. The phase and functional group analysis of the cotton fabrics after coating reveals the presence of metal oxides on the surface. The surface morphology of the coated fabrics analysed using SEM shows that the nanoparticles were in spherical morphology with slight agglomerations. The element analysis confirms the presence of silica (SiO2) and ZrO2/SiO2 nanoparticles along with cellulose on the surface. The washing durability of the coated fabrics after 5th and 10th wash indicates that the nanoparticles were strongly adhered on the fabric surface. The burning performance of coated fabrics is in the order of ZrO2/SiO2 (19.5 s) > SiO2 (11.3 s) before and after wash; UV resistance of fabric was in the order of ZrO2/SiO2 > SiO2 > uncoated fabric. Cotton fabrics coated with ZrO2/SiO2 particles show better UV and flammability protection for textile applications.