20 Feb 2024

World's first genetically-modified banana approved in Australia

From Nights, 9:30 pm on 20 February 2024

In a landmark decision, a genetically-modified Cavendish banana has been signed off to be grown in Australia.

The product has been engineered to be nearly immune to Panama Tropical Race 4, a fungal disease that kills banana plants.

James Dale is the leader of the banana biotechnology programme at the Queensland University of Technology and joins Emile Donovan.

Dr Jean-Yves Paul, left, and QUT Distinguished Professor James Dale, right, with a bunch of QCAV-4 bananas, at the trial site in the Northern Territory.

Dr Jean-Yves Paul, left, and QUT Distinguished Professor James Dale, right, with a bunch of QCAV-4 bananas, at the trial site in the Northern Territory. Photo: Anthony Weate