Gibberellic Acid Effects on Banana Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Accumulation and Metabolic and Transcriptomic Modulation: Implications for Sustainable Fertilizer and Growth Regulator Management

Background: Bananas are mainly cultivated throughout Asia, Latin America, and Africa, notably India and China, which are the primary producers of local consumption. Banana agriculture, characterized by its high nutritional demand and monocarpic nature, often leads to soil nutrient depletion and pest susceptibility, necessitating extensive chemical inputs. Gibberellic Acid (GA3), a plant growth regulator, has been shown to influence plant growth and stress responses, but its effects on the metabolome and transcriptome of banana plants have not been fully explored. This study investigates the effects of GA3 treatment on the metabolome and transcriptome of banana plants. GA3 was applied after denavelling, both directly and via spraying, to examine its impact on nutrient accumulation, metabolic shifts, and gene expression. The variations in NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) distribution across different banana cultivars and fruit development stages were analyzed. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed to identify changes in key metabolic pathways and gene expression profiles.Results: GA3 treatment induced significant metabolic and transcriptional changes, with applied treatments showing stronger and more distinct effects. Key metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and plant hormone signaling, thereby promoting growth and stress resilience. Notably, GA3 influenced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) distribution, particularly in fruit, and induced changes in amino acid metabolism and stress-related pathways. Transcriptomic analysis revealed extensive differential gene expression, with notable activation of genes involved in signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolism, and secondary metabolite production.Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of GA3 in enhancing banana growth, fruit quality, and stress resistance, providing a basis for its application in sustainable banana cultivation. Future research should explore long-term impacts, cross-hormonal interactions, and practical field applications to maximize GA3's potential in sustainable banana cultivation.