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Resistance genes to control Fusarium wilt
Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia have identified five families of R genes that could confer resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc) in susceptible plants. They also have created transgenic lines of Cavendish (which is resistant to race 1 but susceptible to race 4) and Lady Finger (which is resistant to both race 1 and race 4) and are currently performing molecular characterization and fungal bioassays to test for resistance to Foc. |
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Blue bananas, the sequel
The scientists who identified a unique set of catabolites in ripening banana peels have shown that the intensity of the blue luminescence could be used to track senescence in vivo in a variety of plants. The catabolites could act as molecular trackers for ripening, making it easier to determine whether a piece of fruit is just right or too ripe. |
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Making plastic out of bananas
Researchers in Belfast are turning banana plants into plastic as part of a pioneering study. The project is developing new procedures to incorporate by-products from banana plantations in the Canary Islands |
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Using the pseudostem and other parts of banana plant
Researchers at the Navsari Agricultural University in India have developed a candy using the central core of the banana plant’s pseudostem, which they said is rich in fiber and nutritional value. They have also looked at other ways to convert parts of the plant that are usually discarded into useful products. |
Updated June 2009
Banana bunchy top virus in Africa
IITA scientists describe the threat posed by banana bunchy top disease in Africa in the latest issue of R4D Review. |
Field trial of GM bananas in Uganda
The National Banana Research Programme in Uganda is conducting a field trial on bananas genetically modified to produce pro-vitamin A carotenoids. |
Shirts and saris made of banana fibre
Scientists from the National Research Centre for Banana in India are featured in a video showing clothes made out of banana fibres. |
Xanthomonas wilt in the news again
A review article on the threat posed to banana production by this devastating disease has sparked another wave of articles, including one by the UN news agency IRIN. |
Updated March 2009
Coping with climate change
As weather becomes more unpredictable, farmers learn to cope with change. For some Nepalese farmers, it has meant switching to bananas. IRIN, the humanitarian news and analysis service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, recently reported on a Nepalese farmer who doubled his income after starting a banana farm. The Guardian and the Nepal Monitor have also reported similar stories of farmers successfully diversifying into bananas. |
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