<
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-16/australia-approves-first-genetically-modified-banana-panama-tr4/103476986>
'A genetically-modified (GM) banana is a step closer to commercial reality as
Queensland scientists gain regulatory approval to release a GM variety of
Cavendish banana for human consumption.
Scientists say the QCAV-4 variety is the world's first genetically modified
banana and will be the first GM fruit approved by the federal government for
growing in Australia.
But it is unlikely to end up on your toast or in your smoothie any time soon.
While scientists say they will be safe to eat, the GM variety will be
considered a "back-up option" in the fight against Panama Tropical Race 4
(TR4), as it is nearly immune to the disease.
Panama TR4 is a fungal disease that starves banana trees of nutrients,
eventually killing the plant.
There is currently no treatment or cure and, because the disease lives in soil,
infected areas can no longer grow most banana types, including the popular
cavendish variety.
"We welcome this decision as it's a very important step towards building a
safety net for the world's Cavendish bananas from TR4, which has impacted many
parts of the world already [including Australia] ," said Professor James Dale,
leader of the banana biotechnology program at the Queensland University of
Technology.
"About 95 per cent of Australia's bananas are grown in Queensland, and
Cavendish banana accounts for 97 per cent of production."'
Via
What Could Go Right? S5 E19:
https://theprogressnetwork.org/lab-grown-diamonds/
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
