Biotech creates wilt-resistant banana
Developing a wilt-resistant banana could be of great significance for banana farmers in Uganda
© IITA
Through genetic engineering, scientists in Uganda have developed banana plants that show high levels of resistance to banana xanthomonas wilt. The resistance is created by inserting two genes from green pepper plants into banana. Following successful trials in the laboratory and in greenhouses, the Ugandan authorities have now given permission for confined field trials. If successful, new wilt resistant bananas could be available to farmers within 3-4 years, assuming they are given the necessary approval. The genes have already been used to provide resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases in other crops, such as rice and some vegetables. Dr Leena Tripathi from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) explains more.
You are free to use the audio files for personal or public use. If used in a radio broadcast, please credit the correspondent who submitted the report, with Agfax as the source. Audio items may be edited as required, so long as the meaning of any sections used is not distorted from that intended by the speaker. If you are in any doubt, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
Search Agfax
Email update
To be notified when new Agfax reports come online, write your email address in the box below.
Crop protection
Crop development
East Africa
Agfax is a