Abstract:
Banana plants, scientifically known as Musa acuminata Colla, are a vital crop for the
Philippines, a major exporter of bananas worldwide. Concerns have emerged regarding
the presence of pathogenic Fusarium species in key banana production regions. To
address this, a study was conducted to identify and characterize the fungal community
associated with banana pseudostems in Regions X, XI, and XII. Genomic DNA was
extracted from isolated cottony fungi, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region
was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 20 fungal isolates were
identified, comprising nine Fusarium species, 10 Trichoderma species, and one Pleurotus
species. Among the identified species, F. oxysporum was the most abundant and showed
high genetic variation, suggesting successful adaptation to local conditions. Phylogenetic
analyses revealed close relationships among F. oxysporum isolates from South Cotabato
and General Santos City, with potential transmission to Davao del Sur. Similarly, T.
virens isolates from South Cotabato showed close relationships with those from
Bukidnon and Davao del Sur. The presence of Trichoderma species, including newly
discovered T. pleuroticola, T. amazonicum, and T. afroharzianum in banana pseudostems,
as well as the isolation of P. ostreatus, indicates their potential as biocontrol agents
against Fusarium species. The study highlights the need for improved quality of
sequences, increased sample sizes, and the implementation of biological control measures
to effectively manage the fungal community associated with banana pseudostems and
mitigate the risks posed by Fusarium infections.
