Genome-wide identification, characterization, and evolutionary analysis of NBS genes and their association with disease resistance in Musa spp

Abstract

Banana is an important food crop that is susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases that can reduce yield and quality. The primary objective of banana breeding programs is to increase disease resistance, which requires the identification of resistance (R) genes. Despite the fact that resistant sources have been identified in bananas, the genes, particularly the nucleotide-binding site (NBS) family, which play an important role in protecting plants against pathogens, have received little attention. As a result, this study included a thorough examination of the NBS disease resistance gene family's classification, phylogenetic analysis, genome organization, evolution, cis-elements, differential expression, regulation by microRNAs, and protein-protein interaction. A total of 116 and 43 putative NBS genes from M. acuminata and M. balbisiana, respectively, were identified and characterized, and were classified into seven sub-families.