Why in news?
Scientists at the Bose Institute in India announced in July 2025 that they have developed a genetically modified pineapple variety resistant to Fusariosis, a fungal disease that devastates crops. The innovation was achieved by overexpressing the plant’s own AcSERK3 gene.
What is the antifungal pineapple?
- The new pineapple is engineered to resist Fusarium moniliforme, the fungus that causes Fusariosis, which damages stems, leaves and fruits.
- Scientists overexpressed the AcSERK3 gene using Agrobacterium‑mediated transformation, enhancing the plant’s natural defence mechanisms.
Threat of Fusarium
- Fusariosis leads to stem warping, blackened leaves and internal fruit rot, causing heavy yield losses.
- Conventional breeding struggles to keep pace with the evolving fungus, making genetic engineering an attractive option.
Key features of the modified pineapple
- Enhanced disease resistance: The overexpressed gene boosts defence against fungal infection.
- Stable trait inheritance: Preliminary trials suggest the resistance is inherited by subsequent generations with low risk of gene loss.
- Sustainable farming: Reduced reliance on chemical fungicides can cut costs and environmental impact.
Significance
- This is reportedly the first documented case of overexpressing an innate gene to confer fungal resistance in pineapple.
- The research opens the door to developing multi‑fungal resistant varieties through long‑term trials, potentially benefiting farmers worldwide.
The fungus‑resistant pineapple illustrates how biotechnology can help protect crops against diseases while moving towards more sustainable agriculture.