Endophytic Bacteria from Vetiver as Emerging Biocontrol Agents against Banana Fusarium Wilt: A Review

Abstract

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), particularly Tropical Race 4 (FocTR4), remains one of the most destructive diseases affecting global banana production. The susceptibility of Cavendish cultivars, including ‘Grand Nain’, and the long-term persistence of the pathogen in soil have rendered conventional control strategies largely ineffective. In response, increasing attention has been directed toward sustainable approaches such as biological control using plant-associated microorganisms. Among these, bacterial endophytes have emerged as promising candidates due to their ability to colonize internal plant tissues and confer protection against pathogens through multiple mechanisms. Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a perennial grass known for its resilience to environmental stress and extensive root system, serves as a potential reservoir of functionally diverse microbial endophytes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on vetiver-associated bacterial endophytes and evaluates their potential as biocontrol agents against Fusarium wilt in banana. Key mechanisms discussed include the production of antimicrobial compounds, secretion of cell wall-degrading enzymes, induction of systemic resistance, competition for nutrients and ecological niches, and enhancement of plant growth and stress tolerance. Despite promising findings from related systems, direct evidence supporting the efficacy of vetiver-derived endophytes against Foc in banana remains limited, with most studies confined to In vitro or non-banana models. Critical challenges include inconsistent field performance, limited understanding of host–endophyte compatibility, and the absence of standardized evaluation protocols. Future research should focus on strain selection, molecular characterization, formulation development, and field validation to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and practical application. Harnessing vetiver-associated endophytes offers a novel and sustainable strategy for managing Fusarium wilt and improving the resilience of banana production systems.