Banana defense response against pathogens: breeding disease-resistant cultivars

Banana ( Musa spp.), being a globally significant fruit crop, faces a myriad of threats from various diseases, such as Fusarium wilt, Xanthomonas wilt, bunchy top disease, and weevils disease. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in molecular mechanisms and immune signaling pathways underlying disease resistance in banana. First, the review discusses the latest research advances on banana pests and diseases. Subsequently, this review explores the immune responses and signaling pathways, pattern recognition receptor-triggered immunity, effector-triggered immunity, cell death, reactive oxygen species, autophagy, hormonal pathways, and other players involved in banana–disease interactions. Finally, the review discusses the current understanding of the genetic architecture of disease resistance in banana, focusing on the identification of defense-related genes and quantitative trait loci associated with resistance to major pathogens and offering recommendations for genetic research. The conclusion underscores the significance of research on banana immunity, specifically highlighting the crucial need to identify endogenous resistance genes and elucidate immune signaling pathways for future efforts aimed at breeding disease-resistant banana. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance in banana and serves as a valuable reference for breeding efforts aimed at enhancing banana's resistance to pathogens.