Targeted knockout of early nodulin‐like 3 (MusaENODL3) gene in banana reveals its function in resistance to Xanthomonas wilt disease

• DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14248
• Publication Date: 2023-11-28T08:05:07Z
• Authors: Valentine Otang Ntui; Jaindra Nath Trip...; Trushar Shah; Leena Tripathi
• Keywords: Xanthomonas; R gene; Gene knockout; Bacterial wilt; Wilt disease

Summary Nodulins and nodulin‐like proteins play an essential role in the symbiotic associations between legumes Rhizobium bacteria. Their extends beyond leguminous species, as numerous proteins, including early (ENODL), have been identified various non‐leguminous plants, implying their involvement functions nodulation, such nutrient transport growth modulation. Some ENODL associated with plant defense against pathogens, evident banana infected Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) causing wilt (BXW) disease. Nonetheless, specific of remains to be fully elucidated. The MusaENODL3 gene was found repressed BXW‐resistant progenitor ‘ Musa balbisiana ’ 20‐fold upregulated BXW‐susceptible cultivar ‘Gonja Manjaya’ upon infection Xcm. To further unravel disease resistance, CRISPR/Cas9 system employed disrupt precisely. Analysis enodl3 edited events confirmed accurate manipulation gene. Disease resistance expression analysis demonstrated that editing resulted BXW disease, 50% plants remaining asymptomatic. identification highlight its potential a critical player plant‐pathogen interactions, offering new opportunities for enhancing crops like banana, important staple food crop source income resource‐poor farmers tropics. This study provides first evidence direct ENODL3 developing disease‐resistant plants.