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Banana research in North Carolina aims to combat deadly fungus

In Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Elo Life Systems is employing gene editing to develop a banana variant resistant to TR-4, a lethal fungus threatening global banana crops. TR-4, or Fusarium Oxysporum, targets banana plants at the root, leading to significant agricultural losses. Traditional fungicides are ineffective against this pathogen, which was first identified in Southeast Asia approximately 50 years ago and has since spread to major banana-producing regions such as Columbia and Costa Rica, affecting the widely consumed Cavendish variety.

Matt DiLeo, Vice President of Research and Development at Elo Life Systems, highlighted the company's approach known as molecular farming, which involves gene editing to enhance fruit and vegetable resilience. The research team is focused on altering the genetic makeup of the Cavendish banana to withstand TR-4 infestation. This initiative is part of broader efforts to safeguard crops through advanced biotechnological methods. Dole has expressed interest in testing these genetically edited bananas in Honduras, with expectations for mass production still a few years away. Meanwhile, competitors like Chiquita are also pursuing solutions to the TR-4 challenge, with a fungus-resistant banana variant recently gaining approval in Australia.

Source: wunc.org

Photo source: Dreamstime.com

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