Strategies for resistance to bacterial wilt disease of bananas through genetic engineering

Abstract

The livelihoods of millions of Ugandan farmers have been threatened by current outbreak of a banana 
bacterial wilt disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, which is very destructive 
and rapidly spreading in Uganda. Bananas are the highest value staple food and source of income for 
millions of people in this region. Economic impact of the disease is clear as a result of widespread 
destruction of banana, pre-harvest rotting of fruits, and a lack of farmers’ ability to grow bananas in 
disease endemic areas. The disease attacks all varieties of banana, including East African Highland 
Bananas (EAHBs). No banana germplasm with bacterial wilt resistance has been identified. The 
transgenic approach shows potential for the genetic improvement of the crop using a wide set of 
transgenes currently available which may confer bacterial resistance. This article discusses the 
potential strategies to develop transgenic banana plants resistant to bacterial wilt disease.