Host Range and Banana Variety Resistance to Bacterial Soft Rot Pathogens

Banana soft rot, a serious disease caused by Dickeya sp., was found in Guangdong and Hainan provinces. The host range of banana soft rot pathogens in China and the disease resistance of different banana varieties were not reported. Three isolates of banana soft rot pathogens and 22 species of plants from 15 families were investigated for pathogen-host range by using artificial inoculation methods. The results indicated that three isolates had a wide host range. In addition, seven banana varieties, which widely grew in China, were used to identify the resistance to banana soft rot. The results showed that Musa AA Pisang Mas had a high resistance; Musa AAA Cavendish cv. Brazil, Musa AAA Cavendish cv. Nongke No.1, and Musa ABB Pisang had a moderate resistance; Musa ABB Pisang Awak cv. Jinfen, Musa AAA Cavendish cv. Williams, Musa ABB Pisang Awak cv. Guangfen were moderately susceptible.