Metabolite profiling in banana

Abstract

Metabolomics is relatively a new field of study used for identifying the metabolites involved in bringing about the phenotypic variations in terms of resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses and also for fruit quality. Metabolomics also helps in identifying the proteins and genes responsible for the genotypic variations for the desired character. Comprehensive metabolomic studies on banana are not available in the literature. However the genotypic differences have been observed in banana for many phytochemicals related to disease and insect pest resistance. Wide variations for provitamin A carotenoids are available in banana genotypes. In addition to the carotenoids, catecholamines like dopamines are also reported to be associated with the antioxidant capacity of the bananas. Bananas are also good sources of phytosterols and B vitamins. Wide genotypic variability exists for sugar profiles in banana. Sucrose, fructose, and glucose are the major sugars in fruits. Esters are the major group of volatile aroma compounds in banana. Volatile compounds also include alcohols and aldehydes. Resistance to diseases has been associated with the higher phenolics especially cell wall-bound phenolics like lignins. Lignins have also been reported to be associated with nematode resistance in bananas. Banana stems, sap, and flowers have been used in many traditional medicines. Banana flowers and fruit peels are reported to have many antioxidant phytochemicals like anthocyanins, sterols, saponins, tannins, serotonins, and dopamines.