<![CDATA[Fusarium oxysporum is a highly destructive soilborne pathogen comprising more than 100 host-specific strains (formae speciales), making it a significant biosecurity threat to many economically important crops, including tomato, melon, cotton, and banana. Its detrimental impact on agricultural productivity poses serious challenges to food security and the sustainability of major agricultural commodities. Understanding the infection mechanism of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) and the defense responses of banana plants against this pathogen is essential for developing effective disease management strategies and enhancing resistance to Fusarium wilt. This study aimed to analyze the expression of the fungal virulance genes SIX6 and SIX9, as well as pathogenesis related genes PR-1 and PR-3, in the roots, corms, and leaves of banana plants infected with Foc TR4. The results showed that tissue-cultured banana cv. Rejang was highly susceptible to Foc TR4 infection. In this susceptible cultivar, the expression of pathogenesis-related genes (PR-1 and PR-1) was markedly elevated in roots in response to the expression of virulence expressing genes (SIX6 and SIX9), whereas lower expression levels were observed in corms and leaves. These findings provide valuable insights into the interaction between Foc TR4 and banana defense mechanisms and may serve as a foundation for the development of Fusarium wilt-resistant banana cultivars, thereby contributing to agricultural biosecurity and food security.]]>
