Researchers create new varieties of pineapple resistant to fusariosis

A photo taken in 2023 in Frutal, Minas Gerais, caught the attention of researchers and pineapple producers. While one area of the plantation was practically destroyed by fusariosis, another area presented fruits completely preserved, without any sign of the disease. In this space were the varieties BRS Sol Bahia and BRS Diamante, developed by Embrapa and now made available to producers across the country. In addition to being resistant to the main disease of the crop, the new cultivars offer high productive potential, firmer fruits, and greater resistance. Caused by the fungus Fusarium guttiforme, fusariosis is responsible for significant losses in national production, reaching the point of making entire plantations unviable. The disease compromises the development of the plant, prevents the use of seedlings from diseased plants in new plantings, and makes the consumption of affected fruits impossible. The genetic resistance of the new materials, therefore, represents a valuable ...