Morpho-anatomical characterization, gene expression and protein cell wall modifications associated with natural finger drop in bananas

ABSTRACT. Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the main fruits consumed worldwide. However, finger drop, is a physiological disorder that causes many postharvest problems, which eventually reduces market value and consumer acceptance. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the anatomical changes that occur in the pedicel rupture area (drop zone) of bananas diploids (BB França) and tetraploid (BRS Pioneira) in three ripening stages. The levels of gene expression involved in the natural ripening process and in the development of finger drop, was also investigated. The accumulation of their mRNAs and those of expansin (EXP1), pectate lyase (PEL1) and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase protein (XTH4) genes already isolated from bananas were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in three ripening stages. BB França presented a higher resistance to finger drop due to the presence of some specific morphoanatomical characteristics, such as larger parenchymal cells and greater deposition of lignin. In contrast, there was degeneration of the pedicel parenchymal tissue of the BRS Pioneira genotype, forming large empty spaces during the ripening of the fruits, mainly in stage 6, which contributed to the finger drop. The diploid BB França is a strong candidate for use in banana breeding programs aimed at fruit drop resistance. This will certainly improve the quality of banana varieties. Moreover, PEL1 proved to be an excellent candidate gene for functional studies of finger drop in bananas.