Biological Control of Moko in Musaceae: A Solution from the Soil, Local Science, and Biotechnological Innovation
What is Moko Disease?
Moko disease, caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum, represents one of the major threats to the production of banana, plantain, and other economically important crops. As a quarantined agricultural pathogen, its effective control requires integrated strategies that combine agricultural management, scientific research, and the use of biotechnological tools.
Why is it difficult to control?
Ralstonia solanacearum infects more than 200 plant species, causing wilting, vascular necrosis, and yield reduction. Its spread occurs through contaminated tools, irrigation water, and infected plant material. The high concentration and persistence of this pathogen in the soil make conventional control methods ineffective, highlighting the need for sustainable and innovative solutions.
Main Findings
Recent research has demonstrated that the use of bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) can significantly reduce the incidence of moko in banana and plantain crops. Studies such as that of Álvarez et al. (2019) have shown that these specific viruses act effectively against Ralstonia solanacearum, representing an ecological alternative with the potential for integration into sustainable agricultural management (see the complete study).
On the other hand, the use of bio-inputs made from plant extracts or beneficial microorganisms has also shown favorable results. A relevant example is the ADMF product, developed under the supervision of Dr. Víctor Hugo Quimí, which has demonstrated its capacity to strengthen the plant’s immune system, promoting its resistance to moko (see the complete study).
In Ecuador, Eng. Andrés Brando has contributed practical knowledge about the rhizosphere, showing that soil with active microbiota and balanced nutrition can halt the penetration of pathogens. As he points out, the soil functions as the “stomach of the plant”: if it is healthy and balanced, the plant absorbs nutrients better and defends itself with greater efficiency. Similarly, Vera-Morales et al. (2024) highlight how phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria can improve soil health and nutrient absorption, increasing plant resilience (see the complete study).
How does BioNaturaleza integrate these findings?
At BioNaturaleza Biotech, we promote healthy agriculture from the soil up, through bio-inputs based on bacterial and fungal consortia. Products like Microlivings, with Bacillus spp., strengthen roots and combat pathogens like Ralstonia. This scientific integration allows us to offer sustainable solutions aligned with the knowledge generated by Ecuadorian experts.
Impact on Sustainable Agriculture
The use of biological products in managing moko disease not only represents an ecological alternative but also strengthens national productive autonomy. It allows for the reduction of dependency on chemical inputs, increases productivity, preserves biodiversity, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Ecuador, with its wealth of microclimates and scientific talent, can lead the region in the production and exportation of bio-inputs.
Discover more about this research
To delve deeper into this topic, we invite you to consult the following scientific sources:
Álvarez, B., López, M., & Biosca, E. (2019). Biocontrol del principal fitopatógeno Ralstonia solanacearum en agua de riego y plantas hospedantes mediante nuevos bacteriófagos líticos transmitidos por el agua. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02813
Álvarez, E., Pantoja, A., Gañán, L., & Ceballos, G. (2015). Current status of Moko disease and black sigatoka in Latin America and the Caribbean, and (404 ed.). Cali, Colombia: Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT). Retrieved 2025, from http://ciat-library.ciat.cgiar.org/Articulos_Ciat/biblioteca/CURRENT_STATUS_OF_MOKO_DISEASE_AND_BLACK_SIGATOKA_IN_LAC_AND_OPTIONS_FOR_MANAGING_THEM_final.pdf
Berg, G., Köberl, M., Rybakova, D., Müller, H., Grosch, R., & Smalla, K. (2017). Se sugiere que la diversidad microbiana de las plantas es la clave para las futuras tendencias de biocontrol y salud. Microbiology Ecology FEMS, 93(5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fix050
Vera-Morales, M., López-Medina, E., Avilés-Centeno, A., & Ratti, M. F. (2024). Characterization of Antarctic bacteria phosphorus-solubilizing and plant growth promotion. Revista peruana de biología, 31(4).
https://doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v31i4.28402
