Fungal endophytes as potential biocontrol agent of Panama disease of banana

Abstract Background Fusarium odoratissimum ( Foc TR4) is a devastating fungal pathogen that causes Panama wilt in Cavendish banana, high value crop generates significant revenue. The excessive use of synthetic fungicides for disease control poses risks to both human health and the environment. Consequently, there pressing need eco-friendly alternatives manage this disease. One potential approach utilization biocontrol agents, which have shown promise control. This study aimed evaluate endophytes isolated from naturally-resistant cultivar Cardaba banana against TR4. These isolates were subjected dual culture assay, characterized based on morpho-cultural characteristics, confirmed molecularly using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region rDNA. Results Of 15 Cardaba; Blakeslea trispora, Pseudopestalotiopsis theae , Xylaria badia, Nigrospora hainanensis, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, feejeensis, Gymnoascus reessii, subglutinans, Rigidoporus vinctus, Macrophomina phaseolina showed antagonistic activity F. . Isolates X. feejeensis (USMJMTBL10), G. reesii (USMJMTBL11), M. (USMJMTBR1) had highest 87.8–96.6% vitro. Conclusion presents evidence Cardaba-associated identified research, as effective agents causal agent banana. Our findings suggest these hold managing TR4-infected plants. Future research will focus planta testing, validation greenhouse field trials, well development formulations application protocols optimize an integrated management bananas.