Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have provided insights into the taste of QCAV-4, a genetically modified (GM) Cavendish banana variant developed to combat the global threat to Cavendish banana production. Leading the project, QUT Distinguished Professor James Dale, with over two decades of experience in genetically modifying Cavendish bananas, affirmed the quality of QCAV-4's taste, stating, "It tastes great."
The development of QCAV-4 involved the integration of a resistance gene, RGA2, from the wild banana species Musa acuminata ssp malaccensis, into the Cavendish Grand Nain banana. This gene, although present in Cavendish bananas, is inactive without bioengineering. The introduction of QCAV-4 marks a significant milestone as it is not only the first GM banana approved for commercial production worldwide but also the inaugural GM fruit sanctioned for cultivation in Australia. This approval comes in light of the potential defense QCAV-4 offers against Panama Disease tropical race 4 (TR4), a disease jeopardizing the $20 billion global banana industry.
Earlier this year, the Australian Government granted QUT a license for the commercial release of QCAV-4, with Food Standards Australia New Zealand deeming it fit for human consumption. The recent taste test conducted by the researchers on a Northern Territory farm confirms QCAV-4's palatability, aligning with expectations for high-quality Cavendish bananas. This breakthrough is a result of extensive research initiated two decades ago with funding from an Australian Research Council grant aimed at identifying TR4 resistance genes.
Despite the successful development and positive taste validation of QCAV-4, there are currently no plans to distribute these GM bananas for consumer purchase within Australia.
Source: QUT