The Association of Agricultural Plant Biotechnology (Agro-Bio) reported that scientists at the Queensland University of Technology have developed a banana, now known as QCAV-4, that is resistant to Panama disease.
This genetically modified banana will mark a milestone in Australian agricultural innovation, as it is the first such fruit to be approved for commercial cultivation in the country. Indeed, it opens up new possibilities for genetically modified crops in Australia and sparks important debates about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their role in sustainable agriculture.
genetically modified banana
To obtain a genetically modified banana, scientists took a resistance gene from a wild banana and introduced it into the Cavendish banana. The result is a banana resistant to Panama disease, which could translate into better yields for farmers.
It has a similar taste and shelf life, although it is expected to be more environmentally friendly than conventional bananas due to the reduction in the use of fungicide control products.
Professor James Dale, who led the development of QCAV-4, noted that he hoped it would be approved very soon: “If so, it could help save the Cavendish banana industry and ensure Bananas remain a staple food for millions of people around the world.
He also said that the QCAV-4 could be available to farmers within five years if approved by the Australian government.
