Genome Structure-Based Banana Breeding in Southeast Asia

**NOTE: This opportunity was open to an invited set of investigators in Southeast Asia.

The Opportunity

The vegetatively propagated staple crops of roots, tubers, and bananas (RTBs) are especially important for food security and income for small-scale producers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Genomics-assisted breeding of RTBs is rapidly increasing breeding efficiency, transforming CGIAR-NARS breeding networks. CGIAR-NARS is a partnership between CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).

For banana breeding, however, a critical challenge remains. The predominant method of banana breeding starts with hybrid cultivars that include sub-genomes of different genome structure, originating from different Musa acuminata subspecies with large reciprocal translocations. This structural heterogeneity dramatically reduces fertility and embryo viability and imposes incorporation of undesirable traits when selecting for a positive trait in the same large chromosome block (linkage drag).

The Challenge

We seek to engage researchers in Southeast Asia to close gaps in knowledge that are hindering the use of wild banana resources. We seek to lay the foundation for more efficient banana breeding, starting with pre-breeding pools and using genome structure groups to improve the population. For M. acuminata wild genetic resources, sequence information can identify taxonomic relationships within the Musa phylogenetic tree and determine genome structure to predict sexual compatibility. Genome structure pools can focus on complementary sets of traits, simplifying the breeding process while retaining the high fertility of wild bananas. Subsequent inter-pool crosses would create vigorous seedless hybrids that are highly heterozygous with strong hybrid vigor.

We will consider funding approaches for one or more of the following topics:

• Collection of Musa seeds, guided by population genetics, seed biology and storage, abiotic stress tolerance, or genetic control of sterility and parthenocarpy
• Innovative citizen science to map the diversity of desired taxa and collect their seeds
• Characterization of wild Musa host plant resistance to important banana pests and diseases
• Genetics of Musa resistance or tolerance to biotic or abiotic factors
• Taxonomic relationships to described taxa of wild M. acuminata and M. balbisiana

We will not consider funding approaches for:

• Research on existing banana cultivars or for their collection or storage
• Collection and characterization of distantly related Musa species unlikely to be sexually compatible with M. acuminata or M. balbisiana
• Research focused on the diversity of banana pathogens or pests or banana-associated microbiota
• Research focused on banana cultivars, cultivation methods, or production
• Research not included in the list of eligible topics above