Changes in hemicellulose metabolism in banana peel during fruit development and ripening.

Hemicellulose is key in determining the fate of plant cell wall in almost all growth and developmental stages. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding its involvement in the development and ripening of banana fruit. This study investigated changes in the temporal-spatial distribution of various hemicellulose components, hemicellulose content, activities of the main hydrolysis enzymes, and transcription level of the main hemicellulose-related gene families in banana peels. Both hemicellulose and xylan contents were positively correlated to the fruit firmness observed in our previous study. On the contrary, the xylanase activity was negatively correlated to xylan content and the fruit firmness. The vascular bundle cells, phloem, and cortex of bananas are abundant in xyloglucan, xylan, and mannan contents. Interestingly, the changes in the signal intensity of the CCRC-M104 antibody recognizing non-XXXG type xyloglucan are positively correlated to hemicellulose content. According to RNA-Seq analysis, xyloglucan and xylan-related genes were highly active in the early stages of growth, and the expression of MaMANs and MaXYNs increased as the fruit ripened. The abundance of plant hormonal and growth-responsive cis-acting elements was detected in the 2 kb upstream region of hemicellulose-related gene families. Interaction between hemicellulose and cell wall-specific proteins and MaKCBP1/2, MaCKG1, and MaHKL1 was found. The findings shed light on cell wall hemicellulose's role in banana fruit development and ripening, which could improve nutrition, flavor, and reduce postharvest fruit losses.

Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer to Improve Yields in System of Rice Intensification (SRI).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Organic fertilizer is a source of nutrition for plants which is an alternative to inorganic fertilizer. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) which comes from coconut fiber and banana LOF which comes from banana stems from which the fruit has been removed, so that wasted plant residue can be used as fertilizer. The study aimed to obtain the best type of LOF and concentration in increasing the growth and yield of the Batang Piaman rice variety using the SRI method. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research was conducted from June to December, 2023 in Padang City, West Sumatra. The method used was an experiment with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in nested with each treatment consisting of 3 groups. The treatment consisted of LOF types at two levels (banana stems and coconut fiber) and LOF concentrations at seven levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mL/L). Observational data were analysed by variance analysis with F test at 5% real level, but if there were differences, it was continued with DMRT further test at 5% real level by STAR IRRI Philippine software (Philippine). <b>Results:</b> The results obtained were that LOF coconut fiber provided better growth components, yield components and physiological components than banana stem LOF with the best concentration, on the provision of LOF coconut fiber 100 mL/L on the number of rice plant tillers and stomatal density and concentration of 200 mL/L on the number of productive tillers. <b>Conclusion:</b> The application of LOF coconut fiber is better for the growth and yield of rice plants of the Batang Piaman variety compared to the administration of LOF banana stems by applying coconut fiber liquid organic fertilizer with a concentration of 100 mL/L, it is recommended to add coconut fiber LOF to rice fields to increase growth and yield.

Cattleya walkeriana Gardner (Orchidaceae) propagation: culture medium, sealing system and irradiance.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of culture media, irradiance, and sealing system on the in vitro and ex vitro growth of Cattleya walkeriana Gardner. We used MS medium as culture medium, supplemented with 30 g L-1 of sucrose and solidified with 7.0 g L-1 of bacteriological agar. This medium served as a control, while for the other treatments we supplemented the media as follows: 2) MS with 150 g L-1 of banana pulp = P150; 3) MS with 300 g L-1 of banana pulp = P300; 4) MS with 150 g L-1 of banana peel = PE150; and 5) MS with 300 g L-1 of banana peel = PE300. The irradiances were provided by 3000K LED lamps: 86 µmol m-2 s-1 (Irradiance-1) and 128 µmol m-2 s-1 (Irradiance-2) and the conventional sealing (CSS) and sealing systems that allow gas exchange (GESS). After 120 (in vitro) and 180 days (ex vitro) of cultivation, we evaluated them for pseudobulb (PN), leaf (LN) and root number (RN), plant height (PH), pseudobulb diameter (PD), longest leaf (LL) and root length (RL), fresh mass (TFM) and survival (%SURV). There was a significant interaction for all the variables analyzed. The CM x SS double interaction was significant for PH, LL, and RL. The CM x I x SS interaction was significant for PN, LN, RN, PD, TFM, and %SURV traits of C. walkeriana grown in vitro. There was a significant interaction between CM x I x SS for all C. walkeriana traits evaluated in ex vitro culture. Using the medium with up to 150 g L-1 of banana pulp combined with Irradiance-2 and CSS provided the highest values for in vitro plant growth. However, prior cultivation in MS medium, Irradiance-1, and CSS provided the greatest survival and establishment of this species plants in ex vitro culture.

Influence of ripening stage on the microwave-assisted pectin extraction from banana peels: A feasibility study targeting both the Homogalacturonan and Rhamnogalacturonan-I region.

This work investigated a sustainable and efficient approach of pectin extraction for banana peel waste valorisation and studied the influence of banana ripening stages (RS at 2,5 and 7). Although pectin content in banana peel raw material decreased during ripening, pectin extraction was favoured. The highest alcohol-insoluble solids (AIS) yield (12.5%) was achieved at 70 °C, 15 mins from RS 7 peel. All extracts were homogalacturan-rich with some rhamnogalacturonan-I content (showing HGA/RG-I ratio > 2) with varied degree of methylation (DM). The highest HGA content (837.2 mg/g AIS) and HGA/RG-I ratio (9.9) were achieved at 110 °C, 0 mins from RS 7, suggesting its promising application as gelling agent. The highest RG-I content (111.1 mg/g AIS) were obtained at 110 °C, 5 mins from RS 7, which was comparable with the pectin with reported prebiotic ability isolated from the literature, suggesting its potential application in novel products.

Molecular Characteristics and Functional Identification of a Key Alpha-Amylase-Encoding Gene AMY11 in Musa acuminata.

Alpha-amylase (AMY) plays a significant role in regulating the growth, development, and postharvest quality formation in plants. Nevertheless, little is known about the genome-wide features, expression patterns, subcellular localization, and functional regulation of AMY genes (MaAMYs) in the common starchy banana (Musa acuminata). Twelve MaAMY proteins from the banana genome database were clustered into two groups and contained a conserved catalytic domain. These MaAMYs formed collinear pairs with the AMYs of maize and rice. Three tandem gene pairs were found within the MaAMYs and are indicative of putative gene duplication events. Cis-acting elements of the MaAMY promoters were found to be involved in phytohormone, development, and stress responses. Furthermore, MaAMY02, 08, 09, and 11 were actively expressed during fruit development and ripening. Specifically, MaAMY11 showed the highest expression level at the middle and later stages of banana ripening. Subcellular localization showed that MaAMY02 and 11 were predominately found in the chloroplast, whereas MaAMY08 and 09 were primarily localized in the cytoplasm. Notably, transient attenuation of MaAMY11 expression resulted in an obvious increase in the starch content of banana fruit, while a significant decrease in starch content was confirmed through the transient overexpression of MaAMY11. Together, these results reveal new insights into the structure, evolution, and expression patterns of the MaAMY family, affirming the functional role of MaAMY11 in the starch degradation of banana fruit.

Sustainable seedling pots: Development and characterisation of banana waste and natural fibre-reinforced composites for horticultural applications.

Plastic pots used in horticultural nurseries generate substantial waste, causing environmental pollution. This study aimed to develop biodegradable composites from banana pseudo-stem reinforced with agricultural residues like pineapple leaves, taro and water hyacinth as eco-friendly substitutes. The aim of this study is to develop optimised banana biocomposite formulations with suitable reinforcements that balance mechanical durability, biodegradation, and seedling growth promotion properties to serve as viable eco-friendly alternatives to plastic seedling pots. This study was carried out by fabricating banana fibre mats through pulping, drying and hot pressing. Composite sheets were reinforced with 50 % pineapple, taro or water hyacinth fibres. The mechanical properties (tensile, yield strength, elongation, bursting strength), hydrophilicity (contact angle, water absorption), biodegradability (soil burial test), and seedling growth promotion were evaluated through appropriate testing methods. The results show that banana-taro composites exhibited suitable tensile strength (25 MPa), elongation (27 %), water uptake (41 %) and 82 % biodegradation in 60 days. It was observed that biodegradable seedling trays fabricated from banana-taro composite showed 95 % tomato seed germination and a 125 cm plant height increase in 30 days, superior to plastic trays. The finding shows that the study demonstrates the potential of banana-taro biocomposites as alternatives to plastic nursery pots, enabling healthy seedling growth while eliminating plastic waste pollution through biodegradation.

Expressing banana transcription factor MaERFVII3 in Arabidopsis confers enhanced waterlogging tolerance and root growth.

Background: Waterlogging poses a significant threat to plant growth and yield worldwide. Identifying the genes responsible for mitigating waterlogging stress is crucial. Ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs) are transcriptional regulators that respond to various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, their roles and involvement in responding to waterlogging stress remain largely unexplored. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the role of ERFs in enhancing banana plant resilience to waterlogging. Methods: We hypothesized that introducing a group VII ERF transcription factor in Arabidopsis could enhance waterlogging stress tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we isolated MaERFVII3 from banana roots, where it exhibited a significant induction in response to waterlogging stress. The isolated MaERFVII3 was introduced into Arabidopsis plants for functional gene studies. Results: Compared with wild-type plants, the MaERFVII3-expressing Arabidopsis showed increased survival and biomass under waterlogging stress. Furthermore, the abundance of transcripts related to waterlogging and hypoxia response showed an elevation in transgenic plants but a decrease in wild-type and empty vector plants when exposed to waterlogging stress. Our results demonstrate the significant contribution of MaERFVII3 to waterlogging tolerance in Arabidopsis, providing baseline data for further exploration and potentially contributing to crop improvement programs.

Regulatory landscape and public perception for gene-edited bananas in the Southeast Asian region.

Banana is a premier fruit crop in many parts of the world especially Southeast Asia. The demand for banana has contributed to significant national income to primary banana producers in the SEA region such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. However, the widely traded banana industry is plagued by numerous threats including pests and diseases, post-harvest issues and extreme climate vulnerability. To address these challenges, new breeding techniques such as gene editing have been explored for breeding programs to develop improved banana varieties. The first gene-edited non-browning banana has been deregulated in the Philippines recently, and more regulatory applications are expected to submit for approvals soon. Hence, it is timely to review the policy options for gene editing that have been adopted and discussed in the Southeast Asian countries and highlight the implications of differing regulatory approaches to gene editing for trading activities. Positive stakeholders' perceptions and public acceptance are key factors in allowing the benefits of gene editing and thus appropriate outreach strategies are important to gain acceptance and avoid the "GMO stigma" that may be associated with gene-edited products.

Inducing mutation and ascertaining lethal dosage of in vitro cultures of banana cv. Ney Poovan to ethyl methane sulfonate.

In vitro mutation breeding in vegetatively propagated crops like banana offers a benefit in screening for beneficial variants in plant cells or cultured tissues. An attempt was made to induce mutants and determine the lethal dose, as it is the prerequisite to optimize the concentration and duration of the mutagen used to recover a larger population in mutation research. Shoot tip cultures were treated for 2 and 4 h at six different EMS concentrations ranging from 80 mM to 160 mM, whereas proliferating multiple shoots were exposed for 30 and 60 min at six different EMS concentrations ranging from 8 mM to 40 mM. Survival percentage, shoot length, and number of shoots reduced linearly and significantly as concentration and duration increased in both shoot tips and proliferating multiple buds. The probit curve-based analysis of mortality of treated explants revealed that the LD50 was 155.83 mM for 2 h and 113.72 mM for 4 h, respectively for shoot tip cultures, whereas for proliferating multiple buds, the LD50 value was adjusted to 39.11 mM for 30 min and 30.41 mM for 60 min. 160 mM EMS for 4 h resulted in a shorter shoot, a longer rooting duration, a lesser number of roots, and decreased root development. In proliferating multiple shoots, the smallest shoot, longest rooting duration, least number of roots, and shortest root were observed in 40 mM EMS for 60 min. Similar reductions in growth parameters were observed in proliferating multiple shoots at higher exposure to EMS for a longer duration.

Mapping spatial distribution and geographic shifts of East African highland banana (Musa spp.) in Uganda.

East African highland banana (Musa acuminata genome group AAA-EA; hereafter referred to as banana) is critical for Uganda's food supply, hence our aim to map current distribution and to understand changes in banana production areas over the past five decades. We collected banana presence/absence data through an online survey based on high-resolution satellite images and coupled this data with independent covariates as inputs for ensemble machine learning prediction of current banana distribution. We assessed geographic shifts of production areas using spatially explicit differences between the 1958 and 2016 banana distribution maps. The biophysical factors associated with banana spatial distribution and geographic shift were determined using a logistic regression model and classification and regression tree, respectively. Ensemble models were superior (AUC = 0.895; 0.907) compared to their constituent algorithms trained with 12 and 17 covariates, respectively: random forests (AUC = 0.883; 0.901), gradient boosting machines (AUC = 0.878; 0.903), and neural networks (AUC = 0.870; 0.890). The logistic regression model (AUC = 0.879) performance was similar to that for the ensemble model and its constituent algorithms. In 2016, banana cultivation was concentrated in the western (44%) and central (36%) regions, while only a small proportion was in the eastern (18%) and northern (2%) regions. About 60% of increased cultivation since 1958 was in the western region; 50% of decreased cultivation in the eastern region; and 44% of continued cultivation in the central region. Soil organic carbon, soil pH, annual precipitation, slope gradient, bulk density and blue reflectance were associated with increased banana cultivation while precipitation seasonality and mean annual temperature were associated with decreased banana cultivation over the past 50 years. The maps of spatial distribution and geographic shift of banana can support targeting of context-specific intensification options and policy advocacy to avert agriculture driven environmental degradation.

Application of artificial neural networks and genetic algorithm to predict and optimize greenhouse banana fruit yield through nitrogen, potassium and magnesium.

The excess of the chemical fertilizers not only causes the environmental pollution but also has many deteriorating effects including global warming and alteration of soil microbial diversity. In conventional researches, chemical fertilizers and their concentrations are selected based on the knowledge of experts involved in the projects, which this kind of models are usually subjective. Therefore, the present study aimed to introduce the optimal concentrations of three macro elements including nitrogen (0, 100, and 200 g), potassium (0, 100, 200, and 300 g), and magnesium (0, 50, and 100 g) on fruit yield (FY), fruit length (FL), and number of rows per spike (NRPS) of greenhouse banana using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc LSD test and two well-known artificial neural networks (ANNs) including multilayer perceptron (MLP) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN). According to the results of ANOVA, the highest mean value of the FY was obtained with 200 g of N, 300 g of K, and 50 g of Mg. Based on the results of the present study, the both ANNs models had high predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.66-0.99) in the both training and testing data for the FY, FL, and NRPS. However, the GRNN model had better performance than MLP model for modeling and predicting the three characters of greenhouse banana. Therefore, genetic algorithm (GA) was subjected to the GRNN model in order to find the optimal amounts of N, K, and Mg for achieving the high amounts of the FY, FL, and NRPS. The GRNN-GA hybrid model confirmed that high yield of the plant could be achieved by reducing chemical fertilizers including nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium by 65, 44, and 62%, respectively, in compared to traditional method.

Genome-wide analysis of pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) gene family from Musa spp. and its role in defense response during stresses.

Pathogenesis related protein-1 (PR-1) is the most abundantly produced protein during defense response against many biotic and abiotic stresses. However, knowledge on PR-1 gene family and its evolutionary relationship in banana is very limited. In order to study the potential role of PR-1 genes in banana, genome wide identification, structure analysis and expressions were performed. A total of 15 and 11 PR-1 genes were identified from A and B genomes of banana and the proteins encoded by this gene family are of varying lengths and harbor conserved domains and motifs. PR-1 genes are unevenly dispersed on 11 chromosomes with segmental duplication in both A and B genome, suggesting an important contribution of duplication in expansion of PR-1 gene family in banana. qRT-PCR analysis of PR-1 gene showed positive correlation with the RNAseq data under various stresses and examination of expression pattern of selected MaPR-1 genes in banana revealed its role in biotic and abiotic stresses in general and fusarium wilt in particular. This study provides significant insight into the functions of PR-1 genes which can be further exploited as a promising candidate for developing multiple stress tolerant banana varieties.

Analyses of key gene networks controlling carotenoid metabolism in Xiangfen 1 banana.

BACKGROUND: Banana fruits are rich in various high-value metabolites and play a key role in the human diet. Of these components, carotenoids have attracted considerable attention due to their physiological role and human health care functions. However, the accumulation patterns of carotenoids and genome-wide analysis of gene expression during banana fruit development have not been comprehensively evaluated. RESULTS: In the present study, an integrative analysis of metabolites and transcriptome profiles in banana fruit with three different development stages was performed. A total of 11 carotenoid compounds were identified, and most of these compounds showed markedly higher abundances in mature green and/or mature fruit than in young fruit. Results were linked to the high expression of carotenoid synthesis and regulatory genes in the middle and late stages of fruit development. Co-expression network analysis revealed that 79 differentially expressed transcription factor genes may be responsible for the regulation of LCYB (lycopene ß-cyclase), a key enzyme catalyzing the biosynthesis of α- and ß-carotene. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the study provided new insights into the understanding of dynamic changes in carotenoid content and gene expression level during banana fruit development.

Phosphorylation of transcription factor bZIP21 by MAP kinase MPK6-3 enhances banana fruit ripening.

Ripening of fleshy fruits involves both diverse post-translational modifications (PTMs) and dynamic transcriptional reprogramming, but the interconnection between PTMs, such as protein phosphorylation and transcriptional regulation, in fruit ripening remains to be deciphered. Here, we conducted a phosphoproteomic analysis during banana (Musa acuminata) ripening and identified 63 unique phosphopeptides corresponding to 49 proteins. Among them, a Musa acuminata basic leucine zipper transcription factor21 (MabZIP21) displayed elevated phosphorylation level in the ripening stage. MabZIP21 transcript and phosphorylation abundance increased during banana ripening. Genome-wide MabZIP21 DNA binding assays revealed MabZIP21-regulated functional genes contributing to banana ripening, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and dual-luciferase reporter analyses demonstrated that MabZIP21 stimulates the transcription of a subset of ripening-related genes via directly binding to their promoters. Moreover, MabZIP21 can be phosphorylated by MaMPK6-3, which plays a role in banana ripening, and T318 and S436 are important phosphorylation sites. Protein phosphorylation enhanced MabZIP21-mediated transcriptional activation ability, and transient overexpression of the phosphomimetic form of MabZIP21 accelerated banana fruit ripening. Additionally, MabZIP21 enlarges its role in transcriptional regulation by activating the transcription of both MaMPK6-3 and itself. Taken together, this study reveals an important machinery of protein phosphorylation in banana fruit ripening in which MabZIP21 is a component of the complex phosphorylation pathway linking the upstream signal mediated by MaMPK6-3 with transcriptional controlling of a subset of ripening-associated genes.

Antifungal activity of volatile compounds generated by endophytic fungi Sarocladium brachiariae HND5 against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

The soil-born filamentous fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), which causes vascular wilt disease in banana plants, is one of the most economically important Fusarium species. Biocontrol using endophytic microorganisms is among the most effective methods for controlling banana Fusarium wilt. In this study, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) showed strong antifungal activity against FOC. Seventeen compounds were identified from the VOCs produced by endophytic fungi Sarocladium brachiariae HND5, and three (2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 3,4-dimethoxystyrol and caryophyllene) showed antifungal activity against FOC with 50% effective concentrations of 36, 60 and 2900 µL/L headspace, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and double fluorescence staining revealed that 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and 3,4-dimethoxystyrol damaged the plasma membranes, resulting in cell death. 3,4-dimethoxystyrol also could induce expression of chitin synthases genes and altered the cell walls of FOC hyphae. Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining indicated the caryophyllene induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in FOC hyphae. FOC secondary metabolism also responded to active VOC challenge by producing less fusaric acid and expressions of genes related to fusaric acid production were interrupted at sublethal concentrations. These findings indicate the potential of S. brachiariae HND5 as a biocontrol agent against FOC and the antifungal VOCs as fumigants.

Physicochemical and Morphological Characteristics of Starch and Flour Obtained from Green Banana cv. Raja (Musa paradisiaca cv. Raja) in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Banana cv. <i>Raja</i> is widely cultivated in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The physicochemical properties of starch and flour were investigated to determine their functional food prospects in industrial food. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Starch and flour of banana cv. <i>Raja</i> was characterized using proximate analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA). <b>Results:</b> Banana cv. <i>Raja</i> starch contains 40.73% starch, 17.49% amylose, 55.5% water, 0.66% ash, 0.83% protein and 0.18% fat. The size of the granules is ranging from 20-30 µm in irregular and ellipsoidal-truncated shapes. The structure of crystallinity belongs to the type B while the gelatinization temperature is 74.9°C. Furthermore, the starch composed of 41.06% potassium, 12.85% phosphorus, 12.74% iron, 9.4% calcium and 7.5% magnesium. <b>Conclusion:</b> The morphological and physicochemical starch characteristics of Banana cv. <i>Raja</i> and has similar characteristics with its flour. Meanwhile the swelling power and the solubility value of the flour were higher than the starch. The gelatinization temperatures of starch and flour were 74.9 and 73.4°C, respectively.

Use of timelapse photography to determine flower opening time and pattern in banana (Musa spp.) for efficient hand pollination.

Sterility and low seed set in bananas is the main challenge to their conventional genetic improvement. The first step to seed set in a banana breeding program depends on pollination at the right time to ensure effective fertilization. This study aimed at determining bract opening time (BOT) to enhance efficient pollination and seed set in bananas. A Nikon D810 digital camera was set-up to take pictures of growing banana inflorescences at five-minute intervals and time-lapse movies were developed at a speed of 30 frames per second to allow real-time monitoring of BOT. Genotypes studied included wild banana (1), Mchare (2), Matooke (4), Matooke hybrid (1), and plantain (1). Events of bract opening initiated by bract lift for female flowers (P < 0.01) started at 16:32 h and at 18:54 h for male flowers. Start of bract rolling was at 18:51 h among female flowers (P < 0.001) and 20:48 h for male flowers. Bracts ended rolling at 02:33 h and 01:16 h for female and flowers respectively (P < 0.05). Total time of bract opening (from lift to end of rolling) for female flowers was significantly longer than that of male flowers (P < 0.001). On average, the number of bracts subtending female flowers opening increased from one on the first day, to between one and four on the fourth day. The number regressed to one bract on day eight before start of opening of bracts subtending male flowers. There was a longer opening interval between bracts subtending female and male flowers constituting spatial and temporal separation. Bract rolling increased from partial to complete rolling from proximal to the distal end of the inflorescence among female flower. On the other hand, bracts subtending male flowers completely rolled. Differences in BOT of genotypes with the same reference time of assessment may be partly responsible for variable fertility. Hand pollination time between 07:00 and 10:00 h is slightly late thus an early feasible time should be tried.

Banana Tree Infected with Banana Bunchy Top Virus Attracts Pentalonia nigronervosa Aphids Through Increased Volatile Organic Compounds Emission.

Banana plants are affected by various viral diseases, among which the most devastating is the "bunchy top", caused by the Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) and transmitted by the aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel. The effect of BBTV on attraction mechanisms of dessert and plantain banana plants on the vector remains far from elucidated. For that, attractiveness tests were carried out using a two columns olfactometer for apterous aphids, and a flight cage experiment for alate aphids. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted by either healthy or BBTV-infected banana plants were identified using a dynamic extraction system and gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Behavioral results revealed a stronger attraction of aphids towards infected banana plants (independently from the variety), and towards the plantain variety (independently from the infection status). GC-MS results revealed that infected banana plants produced VOCs of the same mixture as healthy banana plants but in much higher quantities. In addition, VOCs produced by dessert and plantain banana plants were different in nature, and plantains produced higher quantities than dessert banana trees. This work opens interesting opportunities for biological control of P. nigronervosa, for example by luring away the aphid from banana plants through manipulation of olfactory cues.