Fungus-fighting Pineapple

Researchers from Bose Institute (under DST) identified a pineapple gene called AcSERK3 that boosts resistance to Fusarium moniliforme, the fungus responsible for Fusariosis.

About Pineapple

Scientific Name: (Ananas comosus L. Merr.)

Family: Bromeliaceae family

Ideal Conditions for Pineapple Cultivation

Temperature: Grows best in warm climates with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C.
Rainfall: Requires 100–150 cm of rainfall annually.
Soil Type: Thrives in sandy or peaty soil with good drainage.

Largest Producers

India is the Sixth largest producer of pineapple with an annual output of about 1.8 million tonnes.
Indonesia, the Philippines, and Costa Rica are the top three pineapple producers in the world.
Top 3 States in India: West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka

About Fusariosis

Causative Agent: Fusarium moniliforme
Impact:
- Leads to stem deformation, leaf blackening, and fruit rot
- Results in heavy yield loss and economic strain on farmers

Development of Anti Fungal Pineapple

Scientists overexpressed AcSERK3, a Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (SERK) gene, in pineapple plants.
The AcSERK3 gene is known to help plants both reproduce (somatic embryogenesis) and withstand environmental stress.
This modification enhanced the plant’s natural immunity against fungal attacks
The study provides the first-ever evidence of overexpression of an inherent pineapple gene for fungal tolerance

Overexpression refers to the process by which cells produce an excess of a particular protein or gene product. This can occur naturally, as a result of genetic mutations or environmental factors, or it can be induced artificially in laboratory settings for research purposes.

Significance

A multi-fungal tolerant pineapple variety may be developed through extended field trials.
Disease-resistant plants can be propagated using shoots.
Could lead to reduced losses, improved productivity, and stable incomes for pineapple growers.
Paves the way for developing durable, climate-resilient crop varieties using native genes.

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