In response to the threat of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4), the Australian Government has authorized the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to commercially launch a genetically modified (GM) Cavendish banana variant, QCAV-4. This development marks the first instance of a GM banana being approved for commercial production globally.
The approval by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in February, later ratified by the Food Ministers' Meeting, underscores the variant's suitability for human consumption. The QUT Banana Biotechnology Program has dedicated 25 years to researching TR4 resistant banana genes, highlighting QCAV-4's potential as a safeguard against the disease threatening the US$20 billion global banana industry.
Meanwhile, in Belize, where GM varieties are not yet considered, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise is developing contingency plans to address potential TR4 outbreaks. Belize primarily cultivates two banana varieties, Grand Nain and Williams, with the former being the type modified in the QCAV-4 variant.
Source: breakingbelizenews.com