<b>Going wild in banana breeding: the cross-compatibility and multi-omics of </b><b><i>Musa cheesmanii</i></b>

Bananas (<i>Musa</i> spp.) are crucial for food security, but modern cultivars, derived from a limited number of wild species and propagated vegetatively, have low genetic diversity, weakening their disease resistance. To address these challenges, urgently identifying new parent lines for banana breeding programs is essential. In this study, we evaluated the untapped value of <i>Musa cheesmanii</i> in banana breeding, particularly its resistance to Fusarium wilt. We confirmed its high level of resistance and successfully crossbred it with two <i>Musa</i> ABB cultivars, 'Yulin' and 'Jinyu'. The resulting hybrids exhibited vigorous growth, high yield, and extended shelf life, underscoring the value of this wild species for breeding innovation. Additionally, we present a fully completed genome of <i>M. cheesmanii</i>, with multi-omics analysis offering insights into its diversification, black pseudo-stem coloration, and disease resistance in the <i>Musa </i>genus. Overall, <i>M. cheesmanii</i> is a promising male parent for banana breeding, providing a breakthrough in genetic diversity and the development of superior cultivars.