In vitro RNA-mediated gene silencing of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense from Ecuador and assessment of RNAi molecule stability in banana plants

In vitro results demonstrated that dsRNA-FocChs1 was more effective in inhibiting spores, with an average IC₅₀ of 156.84 mg/L, compared to dsRNA-Focβ-tub (IC₅₀: 532.7 mg/L), dsRNA-FocERG3 (IC₅₀: 635.59 mg/L), and a positive control (IC₅₀: 243.91 mg/L). A greenhouse test was conducted to evaluate the translocation of dsRNA in banana plants. The results demonstrated that the dsRNA remained on the applied leaf without degradation up to 48 h post-application (hpa). However, no translocation to other plant tissues was detected until the last time point. Further time points should be evaluated to ascertain the dsRNA translocation to other banana plant tissue.