P-323 - Endophytic Volatile Arsenals and Their Targets in Banana Pathogens: A GWAS Perspective

Black Sigatoka, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis, poses a significant threat to global banana production, with fungicide resistance and environmental costs underscoring the urgent need for sustainable biocontrol strategies. This study explores the potential of a novel endophytic Pseudomonas species-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to suppress P. fijiensis and examined the pathogen’s genetic adaptations influencing VOC efficacy. Using a high-throughput screening platform, we assessed VOC-mediated inhibition across 92 globally sampled P. fijiensis strains, revealing significant strain-specific susceptibility variation. Integrating Generalized Joint Attributed modeling (GJAM) and GWAS, we identified key candidate genes, including efflux transporters and detoxification enzymes associated with VOC tolerance. GCMS analysis pinpointed key antifungal VOCs. This first global assessment of P. fijiensis vulnerabilities to microbe-derived antimicrobials bridges pathogen genome plasticity with biocontrol outcomes, offering actionable insights for design microbial consortia that counteract pathogen evolution. Our findings advance sustainable management of black Sigatoka by integrating functional genomics and VOC characterization to develop durable, eco-friendly disease control strategies.